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NTA-TVE Boss, Loko Says New Media Has Come To Stay, Commends Self regulations
Managing Director of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) TV Enterprises, Mr. Maxwell Loko, has commended practitioners of Online Journalism for self-regulation, calling for more of it so as to continue winning the confidence of readers and followers. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Mr. Loko stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, when the National Assembly New Media paid him a courtesy visit at the NTA headquarters to honour him for his role at ensuring Nigeria actualised the transition from analog to digital broadcasting.
The media expert reiterated that the online journalists were not in competition with the mainstream media, calling for synergies amongst both practitioners.
He applauded the Forum of Online Journalists in National Assembly, for taking bold steps in regulating themselves without waiting for the government’s regulatory framework.
“There is no denying the fact that, the online journalism, whether we like it or not, has come to stay with us and it is going to be here for a very long time. The online media is of course, the future of the media.
“Practitioners of Online Journalism weigh a lot of powers, that’s where the dilemma lies. We are aware that the online media is still largely unregulated. The dilemma is that, here you are with so much enormous powers and capacity to influence, yet, you are operating in an unstructured and unregulated environment. So, it comes with a lot of temptations for unwholesome and unethical practices.
“That’s why people like us will continuously appeal to a forum like yours that regulations start from you as individuals. If you like, you can call it self censorship. You should begin to regulate yourself.
“Because, either we like it or not, the basic tenets of journalism, amongst others, are accuracy and unbiased reportage. As popular as your own subsector in the industry is, there are many cases where people doubt the authenticity of your information, and when that becomes the norm, people begin to doubt your accuracy.
“Because you are not regulated, it will also put a lot of burden on you, to convince your mass followers that whatever comes from you can also be accurate.
“So, you do not wait for a restructured regulatory framework to ensure that is done. It is when you begin to regulate yourself and you can not do it except through a forum like yours.
“What is exciting most of us is that, when the systems allover the world are grabbing with the regulatory framework on how to curtail the excesses of the social media and online journalism, we have people who have taken it upon themselves that, ‘we can regulate ourselves, we can actually operate within the realm of professional journalism'”, Loko stated.
He debunked the believe of many people that the New Media was in direct competition with the mainstream media, adding that, the online journalists were only complementing the traditional media, since they all work towards the same objectives, “of making sure the voiceless has a voice; that the truth is told; that we will act as the nexus between those who have the powers and those who completely do not have powers”.
Mr. Loko charged the Online Journalists covering the National Assembly not to be responsible to Members of National Assembly alone, but also to people who are outside and depend on them for factual information, “for accurate information, so that you would become that critical nexus that is always necessary in dissemination of information to those we believe are the voiceless”.
Earlier, Chairman of NASS New Media, Comrade Yemi Itodo extolled the leadership qualities of Mr. Loko, whom he described as “an astute Administrator, a diligent achiever and an incorruptible Manager”, worthy of celebration.
“Your nomination for recognition as ‘Administrator of the Year’ was not unconnected to your uncommon attitude to public service and your expertise contributions at ensuring Nigeria actualized the transition from analog to digital broadcasting.
“By your membership of the switchover committee and with your deep experience in the broadcast industry, we have no doubt that Nigeria and Nigerians would be grateful to you, that your vast knowledge of modern techniques in global communication have helped positioned the country in favourable competition amongst the comity of nations.
“Also, your innovative idea at introducing the StarTimes TV in the Nigerian market few years ago, has not only significantly reduced the monopoly of the existing service providers and making Nigerians pay less for quality services; it has also greatly bridged the gap between the private sector and public corporations”, Itodo said.
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New Product
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products.
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GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
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Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Borde
By Usman Aliyu | June 27, 2026
Ajaka, Kogi State — The family of Sgt. Benjamin Etuh, a native of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts following reports that he may have been involved in a drowning incident at the Seme Border area of Lagos State.
According to information available to the family, Sgt. Etuh, who was last known to be serving at the Seme Border Patrol, was reportedly involved in an incident on the water around the border community. However, relatives say they have not received any official confirmation regarding his condition or whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has left family members distressed and searching for answers. Efforts to contact the officer through his mobile phone numbers have also proved unsuccessful, as the lines have reportedly remained unreachable for several days.
Family sources expressed concern over the lack of verified information and appealed to the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the officer’s status. They also called on security agencies, colleagues, residents of the Seme Border area, and members of the public with any useful information to come forward.
Efforts by reporters to obtain official confirmation from the Ikeja Command were unsuccessful, as no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement confirming Sgt. Benjamin Etuh’s whereabouts or condition. The family continues to appeal for credible information that may help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development