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WSCIJ Report Pushes For More Female Presence In Newsrooms, Leadership Positions Juliana Francis

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WSCIJ Report Pushes For More Female Presence In Newsrooms, Leadership Positions

Juliana Francis

 

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Journalism (WSCIJ) on Thursday the 15th of February 2024, launched a report, which revealed the shocking gender disparity in newsrooms in Nigeria, demanding intentional bridging of these gaps.
The report, tagged, “Who leads the newsrooms and news? A report on women’s representation newsrooms and news leadership in Nigeria,” brings to the fore, the reality of the ongoing conversations across the globe on issues relating to gender disparity in the media industry.

The report presents findings from a study that examined the extent of gender representation in newsrooms and news leadership roles across various Nigerian media organisations.

The study was carried out with funding support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, under the Report Women! News and Newsroom Engagement project as a tool of engagement with the staff and management of media houses.
An excerpt of the report states thus: “The study revealed that women’s representations in media leadership are low across the four media genres. Women accounted for 25.7% of leadership positions, while men dominated with 74.3%. Print and online platforms exhibited the lowest representation of women at 4.6% and 5.5% respectively, while radio and television showed slightly better representation at 9.2% and 6.5% respectively
“Geographically, the Southwest and North-Central had the most women in leadership positions, but they ranked lowest in percentage representation. The Northwest and South-South led in gender-balanced leadership with 31.2% and 28.5% representation respectively.”

Similarly, in terms of news representation, the study discovered that women were inadequately represented. Only 24% of anchors and authors were women, with men making up 76%. Men also dominated as expert resource persons or guests, comprising 87.9%, while women constituted just 12.1%. Furthermore, only 7.1% of news focused on women, while 92.9% covered other angles.
According to the WSCIJ, “To foster a more diverse and equitable media landscape, proactive measures are needed to enhance gender inclusivity and empower women within the industry.”

The Director of Daily Trust Foundation,Dr Theophilus Abbah, who reviewed the 90-page research document, opined that it provided evidence of the lop-sidedness in the media industry, stressing that “it holds a mirror to the face of media owners, media executives, and newsroom leaders, showing an error that needs to be corrected and mistake of gender imbalance in the news business.

A mistake because there are no gender norms in the media business. Nowhere are we told what roles are reserved for men or women in the media business, unlike in other areas in our cultural experiences.”
Speaking on the way forward to the concerns raised in the report, Abbah stated: “The research has made several recommendations, which are relevant. It’s a call on media organisations to be deliberate in ensuring that more women are given leadership roles in the newsroom, and more female newsmakers are sourced and featured in the news. Other recommendations are to implement gender parity policies, improve representation of women in news reporting, increase female expert sources, promote gender-sensitive reporting and engage stakeholders.”

Abbah also recommended that qualitative research should be conducted to explore why the numbers are lopsided, without which, it might be difficult to solve the problem of gender imbalance in the newsroom.
He added: “For instance, it is good to know the following, How did the 32% in leadership positions in the media climb the ladder up? What can other women and media organizations learn from them? Why do boards of media organisations appoint more males than females to leadership positions? Why do editors feature more male newsmakers than female newsmakers in their publications?
“What kinds of training must women be exposed to qualify for leadership positions in the newsroom How do pressures for the roles women play in their homes affect their growth prospects in the newsroom?
“Some of these questions could be answered through other research methods, separate from numerical data. Interviews and focus group discussions could bring out a lot more information that could complement the outcome of this research, to change the imbalance in female representation in the newsroom.”

He urged the WSCIJ to circulate the report as widely as possible to media organisations. “Like every other kind of advocacy, the struggle for gender equity in the newsroom should not end with one activity; there must be multiple activities on diverse fronts until the change for equity becomes irresistible,” Abbah emphasised.

The Deputy Editor of The Eagle Online, Ms Juliana Francis, a member of the team of journalists and media managers who collected data on the gender composition of the board and management of 111 media organisations that gave birth to the report, said she was proud to be part of it, despite challenges encountered while gathering the data.
She opined that the very detailed report was designed to push for an increased representation of women in news coverage and newsroom leadership.

She further said: “This report is a reality of what many of us have been debating for years now, the under-presentation of women, not just in our newsrooms, but leadership positions. This report can now be used to engage the leadership of media organisations, pushing for an increase in the representation of women in news coverage and newsroom leadership.
“The report and data therein can be used to enrich and validate stories on gender disparity in our newsrooms.

More women in leadership positions will encourage other female reporters to aspire to excel, rather than many feeling that no matter how hard they work or do not work, they’ll never go beyond reporters and presenters.”

She also urged women to speak out against erroneous beliefs that hinder women’s promotions to leadership positions, which is that women are difficult and tiresome as bosses. Another erroneous belief being perpetrated is that most women do not like speaking to journalists, let alone as expert sources.

She advised journalists to cultivate habits of seeing female reporters who have covered a beat for years as expert sources and speak to them as such.

She further advised media organisations to be very deliberate in their policies to catapult women into leadership positions and put them on beats usually reserved for their male counterparts.
“Leadership positions should not be seen or perceived as exclusively reserved for the boy’s club,” said Francis.

The Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, reacting to arguments that there are not enough women in the newsrooms and management positions because of the job demand, especially working late hours, said technology has taken care of mundane excuses.

He said: “We need to begin to see how we can demystify newsroom work and leverage technology.

During COVID-19,many newsrooms ran their newsrooms without being in the newsroom.

If we make use of what technology makes possible, we’ll realise that it’s not about being present in the newsroom, but being able to deliver.”

He argued that with technology, a female journalist can work from anywhere as a manager.

“Being a media manager doesn’t mean staying late in the office or working till 2:am. Media organisations need to begin to make use of what technology has made possible by holding virtual meetings and working remotely. If we do that, we’ll eliminate the argument of women managers not readily being available to work,” said Otufodunrin.
He noted that one major problem confronting the media industry concerning the underrepresentation of women in the newsroom is that of having many females in mass communications classrooms across schools, yet such numbers are not reflected in newsrooms.

He described the situation as “a crisis.”
Otufodunrin, who lectures at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos State, said that many female students studying mass communication, do not have the intention of becoming journalists.
He recalled that a manager of a radio station told him that when their organisation conducted an interview recently, it was discovered that many ladies applied to be broadcasters, thinking in terms of being On Air Personalities (OAP), not thinking of news writing or editing.

He added: “I also think part of the problem is that sometimes it’s the way we reinforce old information. Some lecturers inform these students that there’s no money in the media. Many of them don’t know what has changed. We need to talk about what has changed. What is available? Ironically, many students who do not study Mass Communication are doing better in that field than those who studied it.

“Maybe we need to become liberal about looking for people who are coming into the media. They don’t have to be those who studied Mass Communication. We need to be more strategic and provide equity, not necessarily equality. Equity means to let everybody have a fair chance, let our policies be friendly.”

The Executive Director of WSCIJ, Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka explained that the report, ‘Who leads the newsrooms and news? A report on women’s representation in newsrooms and news leadership in Nigeria’ is the fifth done by the Centre on issues relating to gender.

Her words: “This is our fifth report on this issue. Aside from monitoring, we’ve done a report checking the status of leadership in the newsroom in 2017. We went ahead to do reports on policies and practices in the newsroom,which showed us a major issue why women cannot stay as leaders in the newsroom.”

According to Alaka, these reports have been used to engage media leaders, especially under WSCIJ’s House-To-House, which entails going to media houses with the reports.
She revealed that the current report will also be taken to media houses, not just on the reality of disparity in the reportage of women and girls issues, but on the realities of what beats they cover.

“We realise that news leaders do not have enough time for reflection, they are busy chasing deadlines and trying to run the business.

We’ve taken it upon ourselves to reflect for the news media and present this reflection, which is needed for growth, sustainability and dynamics,” said Alaka.

She urged media owners and managers to begin to look around newsrooms, board rooms and editorial boards and make conscious decisions to recruit females to become members, especially if it is an all-male composition.
She added:

“There are competent women out there who can do the work. We hope everyone circulates this report and have a conversation concerning it in their circles. We’re training female leaders and we have trained 84 up to date, who are fellows of the Report Women Programme.

We are also putting together a platform of female experts across some sectors that journalists can use as a base to know that there are females who are competent in all sectors.

This report is not just about leaders in the newsroom, it’s about the leadership of the news, women being on the front pages and leading stories because they do have a voice.”

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Breaking News: Chad in Chaos as Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace; Coup Attempt Foiled, 19 Killed

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Breaking News: Chad in Chaos as Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace; Coup Attempt Foiled, 19 Killed

Breaking News: Chad in Chaos as Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Palace; Coup Attempt Foiled, 19 Killed

 

N’Djamena, Chad — On the evening of January 8, 2025, a violent confrontation broke out near the presidential palace in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, after armed fighters attempted to storm the presidential complex. The gun battle, which lasted for several hours, resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, including 18 of the attackers and one security personnel. In addition, several others were injured, including three members of the Chadian security forces.

According to Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, the situation has since been brought under control, with soldiers successfully repelling the attackers. Koulamallah appeared in a video shortly after the incident, standing alongside soldiers and stating, “The destabilisation attempt was put down. The situation is completely under control.” Despite this assurance, residents of the capital remained on edge, having witnessed a heavy military presence and hearing gunfire in the area.

The attack occurred just hours after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi completed an official visit to Chad, where he met with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and other senior officials. Reports suggest that President Déby was present at the presidential complex during the attack, though he was unharmed. The timing of the attack, coinciding with an official visit from a foreign dignitary, has raised questions about the stability of the Chadian government.

Political and Military Context

The attempted assault comes amidst a backdrop of increasing political tensions in Chad. In December 2024, Chad announced the termination of its defense cooperation agreement with France, signaling a potential withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops stationed in the country. This move has been seen as part of Chad’s efforts to assert greater sovereignty and reduce its historical ties with its former colonial power.

Additionally, Chad and Senegal’s recent decisions to expel French troops from their territories reflect a broader regional shift, with countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger also distancing themselves from French influence. These developments mark a significant realignment in the region, challenging France’s longstanding military presence in West Africa and the Sahel.

Chad’s Political Landscape and Military Stability

The attack on the presidential palace follows Chad’s recent parliamentary elections, which were marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of irregularities. The elections, intended to restore democratic processes, have been widely criticized for their lack of credibility. President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, is expected to further consolidate his power as he faces mounting domestic and regional challenges.

With tensions running high and the future of Chad’s political stability uncertain, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. The government’s quick response to the coup attempt has shown a significant military presence, but it remains to be seen whether Chad can maintain peace amid growing discontent and regional shifts away from French influence.

The situation in Chad remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days.

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Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil

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Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil

Public Outrage as Lagos Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Three-Year-Old Pupil

 

Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage following the emergence of a viral video showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael. The incident reportedly occurred during a writing lesson where the pupil struggled to write as instructed.

Details of the Incident

In the video, Nwadigo is seen repeatedly slapping Abayomi while instructing him to write the number six. The footage, shared widely on social media, has drawn condemnation from Nigerians across various sectors, with many calling for justice for the young boy.

The shocking display of abuse has also raised concerns about child protection and the conduct of educators in Nigerian schools.

Official Response

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest. In a phone interview on Wednesday, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, assured the public that appropriate measures were being taken to address the matter.

“The teacher is in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The government is committed to ensuring justice for the young boy,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

The Lagos State Ministry of Education also weighed in, with spokesperson Kayode Sutton confirming that the incident had been escalated to relevant authorities for further investigation. “This matter has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters, and we are working to ensure that due process is followed,” Sutton stated.

Public Reaction

The video has sparked an uproar on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the teacher’s actions and demanding accountability. Prominent social commentator, VeryDarkMan, was among those who voiced their outrage.

“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school,” he declared in a video shared online.

He further threatened to organize a protest at the school, urging Nigerians to rally around the case to prevent similar incidents. “Imagine if the child had fallen and gotten injured; they would have likely fabricated a story to cover up the abuse,” he said, suggesting that this might not be the teacher’s first offence.

Broader Implications

The incident has reignited conversations about the state of education and child welfare in Nigeria. Many critics have called for stricter vetting and training processes for teachers, as well as enhanced monitoring systems to safeguard children from abuse in schools.

Child rights advocates have also demanded that the Lagos State government impose severe penalties on schools and educators involved in such acts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.

Next Steps

The DSVA and Lagos State Ministry of Education have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming days. In the meantime, Nigerians are watching closely to ensure that justice is served and measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Court Dismisses Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

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Court Dismisses Emefiele's Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

Court Dismisses Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction in $4.5bn Fraud Case

 

The Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed an application filed by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Rahman Oshodi affirmed the court’s jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile. However, the judge struck out four of the 26 charges filed by the EFCC, citing a lack of jurisdiction over those counts.

Court Ruling

Justice Oshodi clarified the decision, stating:
“Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.”

Regarding the remaining counts, the judge ruled that the court had sufficient jurisdiction to proceed.
“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed. The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case,” he said.

The trial was subsequently adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for continuation.

Background of the Case

The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, including abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. The allegations center on economic and financial crimes, which the EFCC asserts fall squarely within its jurisdiction.

At the last court hearing on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had argued that the Lagos Special Offences Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. He contended that the alleged offences were not recognized under Nigerian law and fell outside the territorial reach of the court.

Ojo further argued that the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List. As a result, Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011), under which counts one to four were filed, could not be applied extraterritorially to the alleged offences committed by Emefiele.

EFCC’s Counterarguments

In response, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the court had jurisdiction, emphasizing that the charges involved economic and financial crimes within Lagos State.

Oyedepo argued that evidence and witness testimonies indicated that the alleged offences occurred within Lagos, making it the appropriate venue for the trial. He further dismissed the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team as lacking factual or evidential merit.

Timeline and Adjournments

The ruling on the jurisdictional challenge was initially scheduled for January 7, 2025, but was delayed until January 8, 2025. With the jurisdictional issue now resolved, the court has set the trial for continuation in late February.

Implications

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case, paving the way for substantive hearings on the remaining charges. The EFCC’s prosecution team has expressed readiness to proceed, while Emefiele’s defense is expected to continue its legal battle.

The trial is closely watched, as it involves one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s financial sector, with far-reaching implications for accountability and governance in the country.

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