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Media Not Seen as Adversary To Government, Criticism You Must Do – Alake
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake has said that the Federal Government does not see the mass media as an adversary, but a tool to put the administration on its toes. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Alake made this known at a meeting with media executives on Friday 28th July, 2023 in Abuja.
According to him, at the end of the day, both the media and government operate in the same society.
“If we are practising adversary journalism and we create problems in our society, where are we going to practise,” Alake asked.
He said the meeting was to seek the understanding and buying-in of the media to ongoing fundamental policy initiatives of the Tinubu government that were necessary for the country’s development.
He implored the media to practise responsive journalism, saying this was critical to avoid heating up the polity and misleading the public.
“When there is genuine course to criticise the government, do it constructively and also suggest and proffer solutions to issues affecting the country.
“It is important that even when we are angry at what is going on in the country, we should still apply that sense of responsibility in our reportage so that even after venting our anger, we will still have a society to live in to practice our profession and thrive,” he said.
Alake explained that government did not see the media as enemy because of its criticism, saying that criticism was part of democracy.
“Criticism you must do because it is an integral part of democracy; however, what is obnoxious is destructive criticism, you have to engage in constructive criticism.
“When you engage in constructive criticism, the person you are criticising will enjoy that criticism because you will be proffering solutions to challenges at the end of the day.
“The language of criticism should not be repulsive as some of our colleagues do, we can always criticise in decent language and make very good points that the recipient will take you very serious,” he said.
On the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration, Alake said without confronting the rot and naughty issues in the petroleum sector, we would just be groping in the dark as a country while feeding a few to the detriment of the larger majority.
According to him, if past administrations had been bold enough to remove subsidy on petroleum products, we would have had enduring structures on ground and would not be where we are today.
Alake said Tinubu came to office to make positive impact and to make a name not to acquire material things which he already had.
“The only thing he is fighting for now is legacy and for it to be said that in his life and in his time as president, Nigeria was strengthened out and put on the part of full recovery,” Alake said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media and Publicity of the defunct All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), called on Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration to enable it to deliver on its campaign promises.
Onanuga, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also implored the media to try as much as possible to moderate what they pushed out to the public and be mindful of their headlines.
He stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government was in the general interest of Nigerians, adding that they would get used to it over time.
He called on the media to shift attention to state governments and to interrogate them on how they spent their federal allocations, noting that attention should not just be only on the Federal Government.
“We should support government intervention policies, shift attention to state governments and interrogate them on how they spend their federal allocations and as media gate keepers, we have a lot to do to sanitise this country,“ Onanuga said.
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June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The chieftain of the APC in Kwara state , Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on the occasion of Democracy Day 2026 Celebration and the third years anniversary of their administrations.
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This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Ajia described June 12 as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, resilience, and collective aspiration for good governance.
Ajia commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, improving infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening key institutions of government. He noted that the administration has laid important foundations for long-term national development.
While acknowledging these efforts, he urged the President to pay greater attention to the pressing challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the hopes and aspirations of citizens remain the strongest mandate of any democratic government.
The Ilorin-born security expert further called for intensified efforts to secure lives and property across the country and encouraged the President to deepen youth inclusion in governance by appointing more competent young Nigerians into strategic decision-making positions. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a vital resource for innovation, nation-building, and sustainable development.
Ajia also advocated the continuation of inclusive economic policies capable of empowering local contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and investors, while ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt more directly at the grassroots.
The philanthropist and business leader equally congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the achievements recorded in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social investments, and public sector reforms.
He, however, urged the governor to devote greater attention to ward-level and community-based development projects that would create employment opportunities and empower indigenous contractors, local businessmen, women, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the state.
Ajia further advised Governor AbdulRazaq to strengthen inclusive politics and governance by expanding consultation, participation, and representation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and across the broader political landscape.
He stressed the need for reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders to consolidate unity and ensure the party’s continued electoral success in Kwara State.
According to him, June 12 reminds Nigerians that democracy thrives when leaders listen, citizens actively participate, and governance reaches every community, including the most remote wards.
He reaffirmed his support for both the Federal and the Kwara State Governments and expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to advance under responsive, inclusive, and people-oriented leadership.
Ajia wished President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration, praying for greater unity, security, progress, and prosperity for the nation.
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Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying Decision
AbdulRahman Obaje
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State Alh Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D has appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for what he described as a wise, and excellent decision in appointing Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
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n a congratulatory message signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Dr. Ajia said the Emir’s choice reflects his deep understanding of the religious, cultural, and spiritual aspirations of the Ilorin people.
He noted that the appointment has been widely welcomed across the Emirate, earning the acceptance and admiration of both the elderly and the youth, while resonating with the collective conscience of the entire community.
According to Dr. Ajia, the emergence of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki through a transparent and rigorous selection process demonstrates the Emir’s commitment to merit, integrity, and the preservation of the rich Islamic heritage of Ilorin. He added that the appointment has further strengthened public confidence in the Emir’s leadership and his dedication to promoting unity, peace, and religious harmony within the Emirate.
Dr Ajia, while congratulating the new Chief Imam on his well-deserved elevation, he described Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as an accomplished Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader whose academic credentials, spiritual discipline, and years of service to Islam have prepared him adequately for the revered position.
He expressed confidence that the new Chief Imam would provide exemplary leadership and continue to advance Islamic scholarship and moral guidance among the faithful.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani on this historic appointment and commend His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, for making a decision that has united the people and inspired widespread confidence across the Emirate. This appointment is a testament to the enduring values of scholarship, piety, humility, and service that have long defined the Ilorin tradition,” Dr. Ajia stated.
The Ilorin-born security expert and business tycoon prayed Allah to grant the new Chief Imam wisdom, sound health, patience, and divine guidance throughout his tenure.
He also prayed for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the Ilorin Emirate under the leadership of the Emir, urging the Muslim faithful to support the new Chief Imam with prayers and cooperation as he assumes the important responsibility of providing spiritual leadership to the Muslim Ummah.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria
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US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Award
US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Awar
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Advocacy For Youth Leadership in Governance, Nigeria (AYLGN) has conferred the Proficiency Management Leadership Global Award on Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa, CEO and Founder of Sabua Cares Foundation.
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Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who also holds the Traditional title of “Ebule Attah Igala” USA, was recognized as the “Most Outstanding, Competent, Quintessential, Resourceful, Experienced, Renowned & Digital Philanthropist in the 21st Century.”
The award was received on her behalf by the National Coordinator of Sabua Cares Foundation, Comrade Usman Bashiru, who led some Executive members of the Foundation to the event.
Comrade Bashiru in his speech, thanked AYLGN for honouring the founder’s modest humanitarian efforts, noting that Chief Isa has been funding all her philanthropic activities alone.
He appealed to organizations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the Foundation to scale impact on the poor and downtrodden, adding that the Foundation is open to collaborations that will touch lives positively.
Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who joined the event via Zoom from New York, expressed gratitude to AYLGN for the honour and dedicated the award to God, widows, downtrodden women, and youths.
Presenting the award, AYLGN National Coordinator, Comrade Ajinomoh Abiodun, Mnin, said the nomination followed a joint resolution of the organization’s Board and Executive Council after a critical assessment of Chief Isa’s career, public service, and humanitarian work.
In a letter dated 2nd June, 2026, signed by Comrade Ajinomoh and Secretary General Comrade Ajayi Nike Grace, AYLGN described Chief Isa as a “trans-generational philanthropist of international standard” with “global recognition on youth development,” citing her integrity, charisma, and result-oriented leadership.
Ends.
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NewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots DevelopmentNewsJune 11, 2026Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying DecisionNewsJune 11, 2026US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership AwardEducationJune 11, 2026Varsity Don Proffers Solutions to Building Prosperous Nigeria