Attacks on journalists by security forces in Nigeria must be treated as an urgent matter of national importance on the floor of the National Assembly.
Let’s Protect Free Press, Let’s Protect Our Democracy against military misconduct.
By Rukaiyatu Idris
For many, the word “cartoon” evokes caricatures that tend to prompt laughter when captured with creativity and punch.
However, journalists have come to understand that while a picture says a thousand words, cartoons evoke powerful emotions that inspire or trigger both intended and unintended outcomes.
Akin Lasekan is recognized as the first cartoonist in Nigeria, having worked with the West African Pilot newspaper. It’s interesting to note that in 1908, “Fantasmagorie,” considered by animation historians as the world’s first cartoon, was released.
As the power of cartoons evolved, they became established as a vital force within the political struggle to liberate Nigeria from British colonization.
Today, editorial journalism recognizes that sketching and cartooning deserve a prime spot in Nigeria’s educational development, as captured by Jimoh’s reporting for LightRay! Media.
Press freedom and social responsibility go hand in hand. When journalists are assaulted, oppressed, and denied their constitutionally enshrined job by security agents, it constitutes a serious breach of both their private and public fundamental human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory to international media treaties. Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the press to hold the government accountable to the people, thereby distinguishing journalists as those who perform an essential duty to the nation.
In the realm of media leadership, voices often echo the sentiments of society, shaping narratives, and holding power to account. The LightRay! African and Global Women in Media Leadership Project seeks to illuminate the experiences and insights of women at the forefront of journalism, highlighting their challenges, triumphs, and aspirations.
Nigerians wanted succor, no matter how little from the harsh economic realities occasioned by poor governance, inflation and low productivity. That succour was the AFCON Final. As memes of Nigeria’s loss saturates across social media, one thing stood out: Nigerians felt disappointed at the 2:1 goal outcome in favour of the Ivorian Elephants. Though Nigerians poke fun at the loss with good natured banter, many wished for extra time to allow for an equaliser, which is now history.
Amidst the digital revolution sweeping through media landscapes, a wave of young journalists both within and beyond university campuses is harnessing innovative storytelling techniques to captivate today’s highly distracted audience. These emerging reporters are reshaping narratives into multimedia experiences, captivating both young and old in ways unprecedented in the annals of media history.
Yet, as the information age unfolds, these budding media professionals face a daunting landscape. With the proliferation of deep fakes, viral misinformation, and echo chambers, they navigate through a maze of data mining and information overload. Adapting to this new reality, they employ novel strategies to engage audiences who curate their news consumption within personalized bubbles.
Celebrating World Radio Day on February 13th, LightRay! Media shines a spotlight on the remarkable journey of Vanessa Ukamaka Richard Bassey, a vibrant and ambitious young journalist. In an exclusive interview, we delve into her insights and experiences as part of our special series: “Young African Women in Media Leadership.”
Lami Sadiq is a thorough bred journalist with a mindset of Watchdog Journalism as her personal mantra and drive. With her capacity to take risks to unravel stories that are considered ‘male beats’, she changes your perception about stereotypical beats where newsroom heads and media owners are guilty of pegging and limiting women to what they consider ‘women beats’.
Sadiq currently heads the Investigation Desk of Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust newspaper and owners of Trust TV and Trust radio.
In this our Special LightRay! Series on African Women in Media Leadership Project (#LAWMLP), Lami Sadiq delivers a story worth telling that is inspiring and provoking. Sit back and enjoy her media journey with us!
The need for the Nigeria Communications Commission to protect the digital privacy of Nigerians against loan app managers and their operators is now an imperative function that requires mitigating strategies to stop the menace of loan app defamation, harassment, threat to life and abuse.