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COVID-19: Publisher lauds FG stimulus package for media, creative industry

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Precious ADELOLA

ABK– A leading Online Publisher, Femi Soneye, has commended the Federal Government for the stimulus package being initiated to cushion effects of COVID-19 on Nigerian media and the creative industry.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also received a pat on the back for the expected intervention.

Soneye, Publisher and CEO of Persecondnews.com, gave the commendation in Abeokuta on Monday while presenting COVID-19 palliatives to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council at the Press Centre, known as Iwe Irohin House.

Persecond news CEO Mr. Femi Soneye and former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently

Soneye, who was represented by Ayodele Akinsola, Persecondnews Managing Editor, said: “A recent bold step to give a stimulus package to the media and creative industry by the Hon. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is cheery news and a timely intervention amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“We urge the Minister to pursue this agenda to a logical conclusion.”

Describing the media as one of the tripod stands on which the nation’s democracy rests, thrives and flourishes, he urged journalists not to spare any effort in holding public officials accountable to the people.

He, however, pointed out that only accurate and factual reports could hold public officials accountable to the citizens.

He said: “Journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm after the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, are empowered by Section 22 of Chapter two of the 1999 Constitution.

“Without free press and free speech, democracy is endangered.

“I recall with nostalgia our efforts and struggles on a heroic scale to fight the military to a standstill and return the country to constitutional democracy in 1999 have not been adequately rewarded and reciprocated by the political class with some of them scandalously harassing, brutalizing and clamping down on the media.”

Still expounding the role of the media, the publisher added: “The media, in spite of its imperfections like democracy, are indispensable to the nation’s fledgling democracy of about 21 years and to the Nigeria Project.”

On the state of the Nigerian media, Soneye noted that the parlous state of the economy had caused thousands of journalists to lose their jobs due to permanent shut down of their organisations, while others are being owed one or two years salaries.

He said: “I wish, therefore, to make a passionate appeal to those in authority at all levels – federal, state and local government – to patronise the media – newspapers, magazines, online publications, radio and television stations – to stay afloat.”

On the COVID-19 pandemic, Soneye commended the media for its excellent coverage of the health crisis across the country in spite of the attendant risks to lives and urged them to continue to join forces with the government to rout the virus.

He said: “As experts and WHO have said, it is unlikely for the virus to go away soon.

“There is, therefore, the need for us as journalists to be COVID-19 protocol-compliant — stay safe, play safe, observe physical distancing, use your face mask, wash your hands and use sanitizers.”

Soneye also challenged journalists to report research findings and investigations on COVID-19 therapeutics, especially the local cure – herbal or orthodox – to defeat the virus.

Wale Oluokun, Secretary, Ogun State NUJ Caretaker Committee, who received the items on behalf of the chairperson, Omolola Adeyinka, thanked Persecondnews for the gesture, which he described as first of its kind.

Oluokun said: “It is quite novel and welcoming that journalists can look back and give back to the profession; it is equally commendable.

“Apart from the gifts, a strong message has been passed to us to take the fight against coronavirus seriously.”

Among the officers present at the presentation were Lekan Yinusa (Sweet FM), Bidemi Bello (Channels TV), Anthony Gandonu and Bunmi Adigun.

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Kenya’s Edwin Koech Wins 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

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Photos: Kenyan Runner Edwin Kibet Wins 2023 Lagos City Marathon

Kenyan athlete Edwin Koech has emerged as the champion of the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, claiming victory in the men’s category with a record time of 2 hours and 14 minutes.

The win, secured on Saturday, marks his second title in the prestigious race after his triumph in 2023.

Koech takes home the $50,000 first-place prize, further cementing his dominance in the competition.

READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Ruling On Sowore’s Bail Application

The 10th edition of the marathon saw an impressive turnout, with 37,000 runners competing in both the 10km and 42km races.

Race General Manager and retired Nigerian long jumper Yusuf Ali confirmed the figure, explaining that it was based on the number of race kits distributed, out of more than 60,000 registered participants.

The 42km race commenced at 6:30 am from the National Stadium in Surulere, while the 10km race began at 9:30 am from Grace Garden Event Centre in Lekki. Both events concluded at Eko Atlantic City, the official finish line.

As the Lagos City Marathon celebrated its 10th anniversary, organisers reiterated their goal of securing a World Athletics platinum label, which would make it the first marathon in Africa to achieve the prestigious status.

Currently classified as a gold label race, the event has continued to attract elite athletes from across the globe.

In preparation for the race, the Lagos State Government announced an eight-hour road closure and traffic diversion, restricting movement along key routes from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday.

Since its inception in 2016, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has grown into one of Africa’s premier road races, drawing international attention and fostering a strong culture of long-distance running in Nigeria.

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Dele Farotimi Appointed National Organising Secretary of Afenifere

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In a significant development for the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, renowned lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been appointed as its National Organising Secretary.

The appointment was ratified during a general meeting held at the residence of Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday.

Farotimi’s appointment comes on the heels of a legal dispute with respected legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, who had sued the activist for alleged defamatory content in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

RELATED NEWS: Afenifere, Obi Laud Babalola For Withdrawing Suits Against Farotimi

The Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti had granted Farotimi bail of N30 million. However, just 24 hours after Afe Babalola agreed to withdraw the lawsuit, Afenifere announced Farotimi’s new position.

A communiqué jointly signed by Afenifere Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, confirmed the appointment.

“The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere,” the communiqué read.

The meeting, chaired by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, witnessed the participation of representatives from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi and Kwara.

Notable attendees included former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Akerele, Secretary-General Chief Sola Ebiseni, Chief Akin Osuntokun, Professor Akin Onigbinde, Elder Tola Mobolurin, Dr. Gbola Adetuji, and Olorogun Pop Ayo-Banjo.

 

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I’m Now Known As The Man Who Makes Things Disappear – Abia Lawmaker

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Alex Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South in Abia State, has addressed the viral altercation he had with e-hailing driver Stephen Abuwatseya in October 2024, playfully noting that the incident significantly raised his profile across Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Ikwechegh, who was seen in a viral video assaulting Abuwatseya outside his Maitama residence, remarked that the altercation, which occurred during a dispute over a package delivery, has earned him the tongue-in-cheek title of “the man that makes things disappear.”

READ MORE: Trump Orders ‘Transgender Ideology’ Out Of US Military

Ikwechegh described the incident as unfortunate, but one that ultimately helped him build a positive relationship with the driver.

“What happened was quite unfortunate but I take it as an avenue for me as a person to also build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends,” he said.

The lawmaker also addressed the video that captured the assault, in which he was seen slapping and insulting the driver.

He explained that the public only saw the aftermath, missing the events that led to the confrontation.

“The video that everybody saw was a low moment. I felt the sanctity of my home was being desecrated. The part of the video where you people saw was the part that people saw; people do not know what happened before that reaction. Like they say, actions pre-empt reactions.”

Ikwechegh, who has maintained a scandal-free reputation in his long public career, insisted that the viral video was not indicative of his character.

“But whatever anybody has seen is not indicative of who I am. I’ve been in the public space for a very long time and there has never been any scandal about me,” he remarked.

Despite the controversy, Ikwechegh stated that he has moved past the incident, even forming close ties with Abuwatseya and his pastor. “The young man is my friend now and I am very close to his bishop, his pastor, and I’ve made a bunch of new friends.”

The incident, which initially led to Ikwechegh being charged with abuse of office, assault, and threat to life, was eventually resolved through the legal system.

Ikwechegh was arraigned at a Kuje Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted ₦500,000 bail. However, the case was struck out after the court found no merit in the charges.

Ikwechegh admitted that his behavior during the altercation fell short of expectations for a public official, and he publicly apologized for his actions.

In an Instagram post, he apologized to Abuwatseya, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his response to the situation was inappropriate, regardless of the provocation.

In a surprising turn of events, Abuwatseya later issued a public apology, acknowledging his role in provoking the altercation and asking for forgiveness from Ikwechegh and the Nigerian public.

With the matter now behind them, Ikwechegh reflected on the unexpected outcome of the incident, noting that while it began as a controversial moment, it has helped him form new friendships and, in a lighter vein, increased his visibility across the nation.

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