Dangerous Journalism (A review of Ismail Omipidan’s ‘Persona non Grata’ by LASISI OLAGUNJU in Abuja on Saturday, 18 January, 2025).

Protocols   Strange things happen all over the world. In the Autumn of 1946, Muna Lee, a poet who worked with the United States Department of State, wrote a journal article that questions the integrity of book reviewers. The title of his piece is: “Can’t Book Reviewers Be Honest?” In that piece are two gross cases, one of them a confession. The first is the case of a reviewer who did the review of a whole book from the blurb – that is, from the book’s short description on the…

Hajj and Umrah Exposition Enters 2nd Day in Jeddah By Fatima Sanda

The fourth edition of Hajj and Umrah Exhibition and Conference was opened yesterday 13th January in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. The event designed to enhance Hajj experiences through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing will hold from January 13th to 16th at the Jeddah Superdome. According to data provided on hajjconfex.com, the event gathers about 300 organizations and 130 experts from across the world. Features of the exhibition include over 45 workshop sessions, panel discussions, Hajj Talks and displays of ultra-modern technologies for operational efficiency, and prominent solutions for crowd management. The…

Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala: Celebrating a Legacy of Grassroots Leadership, Governance, and Mentorship, Three Years On ,By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Today marks the third anniversary of the passing of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, a distinguished leader whose life was marked by service, mentorship, and an undying commitment to the betterment of Oyo State, especially his beloved hometown of Ogbomoso. Alao-Akala’s political journey began as the Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, where he first demonstrated his deep connection with the grassroots. His success in local governance paved the way for his role as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, before his elevation to the governorship from 2007 to 2011.…

Zacch Adedeji @ 47: Celebrating A Man Of Exceptional Grace, Excellence | By Dare Adekanmbi

Ecclesiastical evidence abounds to affirm that God does not look at people or issues through the same prism from which human beings perceive matters. As mortals, we give primacy to mundane parameters as appearance or outward adornments, height or whether the person is oozing opulence or simply look at nobility of a person’s birth before ascribing value or judgment to such a person.   The story of David’s ascension to the throne of Israel summarises howGod make His choices. Prophet Samuel beheld the firstborn of Jesse named Eliab and, looking…

How to Boost Organizational Reputation through Effective PR Messages Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

In today’s global marketplace, an organization’s reputation is as crucial to its success as the quality of its products or services.   Public Relations (PR) serves as a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.   In this article, I will be discussing in details, how organizations boost their image through public relations.   Public relations is a powerful tool in managing and enhancing an organization’s image, ensuring that public perception aligns with the organization’s mission and values.   At the core of PR…

Celebrating Two Years of Love and Growth: A Reflection on Polygamous Harmony with Hajiya Rabi Zaujat Yunus By Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen

Two years ago, in the serene city of Minna, Niger State, I embarked on a remarkable journey with my third wife, Hajiya Rabi Zaujat Yunus, fondly known as Onono. As we celebrate this significant milestone, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy, reflecting on the shared love, laughter, and life lessons that have shaped our union.   Our marriage, grounded on a solid foundation, has weathered various phases—good, bad, and challenging—yet, it has continually blossomed, bringing us closer together and fostering maturity in our relationship. Hajiya Rabi, you are…

AHEAD OF MIDTERM, EMERGING SIGNS FAVOURABLE FOR THE TINUBU ADMINISTRATION By Bayo Onanuga

Although the Tinubu Administration’s midterm is five months away, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can proudly reflect on his administration’s journey over the last 19 months. After initial turbulence, the government concluded 2024 stronger than 2023, as many policies began yielding significant results that even the most ardent detractors could not ignore.   Under President Tinubu’s leadership, NNPC Limited has fixed two of the four state-owned oil refineries, achieving what many had cynically regarded as improbable. The administration’s efforts have led to a rise in crude oil production, with an expected…

Gov Okpebholo: Opportunities for Growth and Transformation in 2025 By Fred Itua

The start of a new year is a time for reflection and renewed determination. It is an opportunity to set fresh goals, leave behind past challenges, and chart a course for personal and collective growth. For leaders, it represents a clean slate to implement transformative policies that uplift the lives of their people. Governor Monday Okpebholo captures this spirit of renewal in his New Year message, “2025: Okpebholo Poised to Elevate Good Governance in Edo.” His message underscores the immense opportunities that lie ahead and the administration’s resolve to confront…

NITDA 2024: Transforming Nigeria’s Digital Future with Innovation and Strategic Partnerships By Lukman Laleye Babalola

In 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the visionary leadership of Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s digital transformation. Through a year filled with bold initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity, NITDA has firmly positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.   One of the standout moments of 2024 came in December with the release of the groundbreaking Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill. This pivotal document, developed in collaboration with…

*From the Archives!* A Birthday Prayer! By abiodun KOMOLAFE

  _(First Published in Daily Independent on January 8, 2015, to mark my birthday, December 24). From the seeming endless valleys of travails; to the promising heights of triumphs, December 24 affords me a rare opportunity to reflect on the journey of my life so far. It is also an avenue to envision the fortunes, hopes and desires of a future that holds great promise. It is no doubt a period to ponder, especially the physical thistles and the psychological hardness of a journey of life which, in many instances,…