The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerian journalists to stop featuring reports on terrorism and banditry on their front pages. Addressing a National Security Summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja, the Minister argued that responsible journalism requires prioritizing nation-building over the potential glorification of criminal acts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Strategic Reporting: Minister Idris emphasized that the most effective editors are those who understand the importance of what not to report for the sake of the country’s stability.

• Limiting Exposure for Criminals: He urged the media to deny terrorists and criminals the “free” publicity they crave by moving these stories away from front-page headlines.

• Shifting the Focus: The Minister expressed concern that security agencies’ achievements are often underplayed while criminal activities are amplified, and he encouraged the media to instead celebrate the sacrifices of military personnel.

• The Media’s Stake: He reminded attendees that a peaceful and secure Nigeria is necessary for any media organization to exist and function.

Government Actions and Support

• Combatting Insecurity: The Federal Government is utilizing both kinetic military operations and non-kinetic approaches—which address the root causes of insecurity—to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

• Educational Support: Highlighting recent progress, the Minister reported that over 1.3 million students have utilized the National Education Loan Fund to access higher education.

• Welfare for Journalists: The government is reportedly working on initiatives to provide better welfare packages for media workers to improve their economic well-being and morale.

The Ekiti State chapter of the Accord Party (A) has formally refuted allegations that its gubernatorial candidate, Opeyemi Falegan, has withdrawn from Saturday’s election to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Wole Oluyede.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Party Denies Withdrawal

• The Accord Party’s state chairman, Adeniji Philip, characterized reports of Falegan’s withdrawal as entirely false and urged the public to ignore them.

• Philip emphasized that Falegan is still actively in the race and fully prepared to participate in the upcoming election.

• This statement served to counter a viral Facebook video posted by Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, which claimed that Falegan had stepped down.

PDP Campaign Clarification

• While the Oluyede Campaign Organisation confirmed receiving support from certain Accord Party leaders, they clarified that Falegan himself has not issued a formal endorsement of the PDP candidate.

• Campaign spokesperson Idowu Adelusi noted that Accord’s deputy governorship candidate, Bayo Omoniyi, and other party officials have officially declared their support for Oluyede at his residence in Ikere-Ekiti.

• The PDP campaign expressed optimism that this support, along with endorsements from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), significantly bolsters their prospects for victory in the election.

The United States and Iran have entered into a historic memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward ending months of regional conflict. The agreement, which took immediate effect, sets the stage for a 60-day negotiation period to finalize a binding peace accord, with a formal ceremony to initiate these technical discussions scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Economic Support: The United States and regional partners have committed to a $300 billion reconstruction and economic development package for Iran to aid in rebuilding infrastructure and reviving the economy.

• Nuclear Program: Iran has reaffirmed that it will not develop or procure nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the two nations agreed to resolve the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile through a mechanism involving International Atomic Energy Agency-supervised down-blending, while the U.S. pledged to halt new sanctions or military deployments in the region pending a final deal.

• End to Hostilities: The parties, along with their allies, have committed to an immediate, permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, while pledging to respect regional sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• Lifting Sanctions and Blockades: The U.S. has agreed to remove its blockade on Iranian ports, with a full exit planned within 30 days of the agreement. Additionally, the U.S. will terminate sanctions, unfreeze restricted assets, and issue Treasury waivers to allow for the export of Iranian crude oil and related services, such as banking and transportation.

• Strait of Hormuz: Iran has committed to reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels, with full traffic expected to be restored within 30 days.

The memorandum was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and finalized with the signatures of Iranian leadership, with mediation support provided by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The final peace settlement is expected to receive endorsement through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution to ensure international legal compliance.