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Press Freedom Day: Media Groups Warn Of Growing Threats To Journalistic Work In Nigeria.

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3 months ago

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the Federal Government to strengthen press freedom and provide better protection for journalists across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appeal was made during a joint press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3.

The briefing was led by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, and the Secretary of the NGE, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, who was represented by Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo.

The event focused on the theme “Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria.”

Both organisations stressed that the safety of journalists and the protection of information integrity are essential to peace, security, and democratic stability.

They maintained that any effective strategy to address insecurity and promote peace in Nigeria must include strong support for a free, independent, and diverse media, alongside humanitarian, institutional, and economic interventions.

SERAP and NGE also raised concerns over ongoing violence in parts of the country, including killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, displacement of communities, and destruction of property in states such as Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto.

They noted that thousands of people have reportedly been killed while millions have been displaced, with rural communities frequently targeted and vulnerable groups, especially women and children, suffering the most.

The groups called on federal and state authorities to take proactive steps to prevent further harm, protect communities, investigate human rights violations, prosecute offenders and their sponsors, and ensure justice and compensation for victims.

They further stated that these incidents violate Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

According to them, the humanitarian impact remains severe, with destroyed communities, lost livelihoods, and victims left without adequate support or remedies.

They also reminded authorities of their duty to protect journalists and address insecurity with urgency and diligence.

SERAP and NGE referenced the UNESCO theme for the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” noting that a free press is central to peacebuilding and national development.

They warned that weakening independent journalism and civic information systems contributes to governance failures, encourages corruption, undermines accountability, and spreads misinformation.

The groups cited Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and assign the media a watchdog role in governance.

They urged authorities to safeguard civic space, promote responsible journalism, and treat attacks on journalists as serious human rights violations.

They also demanded swift and independent investigations into such attacks, prosecution of offenders, and adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims.

Finally, they called for greater transparency in security operations, the establishment of public reporting mechanisms, engagement with international human rights experts, and a National Assembly public hearing on insecurity and attacks against journalists.

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The Ultimate Showdown: Messi Eyes Ronaldo’s Coveted World Cup Record As Argentina Prepares For Final Clash!.

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25 minutes ago

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July 18, 2026

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On Sunday, July 19, 2026, Lionel Messi will lead Argentina against Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, with the opportunity to match a unique record currently held only by Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário. Should the defending champions emerge victorious, Messi would become the second player in history—alongside Ronaldo—to have won at least two FIFA World Cup titles and two Ballon d’Or awards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ronaldo Nazário remains the only player to have achieved this specific combination of accolades, having secured World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002, alongside Ballon d’Or wins in 1997 and 2002. While Messi already holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or honors with eight wins, he currently has only one World Cup title, earned during Argentina’s 2022 victory in Qatar. Consequently, this Sunday’s final presents the 39-year-old with a chance to add another significant milestone to his career.

A Rare Achievement

Many of football’s greatest stars have been unable to replicate this feat:

  • German icons Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus both won the World Cup as players but never managed to win the tournament twice.

  • While legends like Pelé and Garrincha won multiple World Cups, they were ineligible for the Ballon d’Or for most of their careers, as the award was restricted to European players until 1995.

  • The subsequent change in eligibility rules eventually allowed players from all nations to compete for the Ballon d’Or, facilitating the historic collections built by both Ronaldo and Messi.

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The Salah Saga Continues: Agent Closes Door On Massive Besiktas Switch?.

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34 minutes ago

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July 18, 2026

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Ramy Abbas Issa, the agent for former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, has officially debunked rumors suggesting the Egyptian forward is set to join the Turkish club Besiktas. Addressing the intense speculation that surfaced on Friday—which claimed the 33-year-old had already reached an agreement to join the Istanbul side—Abbas Issa stated that no decision regarding Salah’s future has been finalized.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abbas Issa emphasized that the reports linking Salah to Besiktas are unfounded and urged fans to disregard the rumors. In a post on , the agent clarified his own lack of information regarding the forward’s next destination, writing, “I personally do not know where Mohamed will play next season. What does that tell you?”.

Furthermore, the agent dismissed the idea that Salah’s camp would engage in talks with clubs that do not match the player’s ambitions purely for media attention. “It is not our style to have discussions with clubs that Mohamed wouldn’t want to play for, just for the sake of noise,” he added.

Salah’s Status and Recent Career

Following the expiration of his contract at Anfield, Salah is currently one of the most prominent free agents in world football. His time at Liverpool was highly decorated, featuring victories in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. While his next career move remains a subject of intense speculation among clubs in Europe and the Middle East, Salah recently concluded his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he captained Egypt until their elimination by Argentina.

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‘Having 11 Children Won’t Be A Bad Thing’ – Nana Otedola Tells Mr Eazi And His Wife, Temi.

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40 minutes ago

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July 18, 2026

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Nana Otedola, wife of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, has expressed her support for Mr Eazi and his wife, Temi, to have eleven children. During a joint podcast appearance, Nana remarked that the couple would be well-equipped to raise such a large family as they continue to progress in their careers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The topic of family size arose when Nana asked her daughter, Temi, about her experience with her first pregnancy.

  • Temi described the journey as “beautiful,” noting that while managing emotions and hormones can be challenging, her overall experience has been positive.

  • Temi suggested she might have six or seven children due to her smooth pregnancy.

  • Mr Eazi encouraged her to aim for eleven, comparing the number to a full football team.

  • Supporting this vision, Nana Otedola joked that having eleven children would not be a bad idea, adding, “I know you will have a farmhouse somewhere”.

A Surprising Announcement

Nana also shared that she was initially caught off guard by the news of the couple’s first pregnancy. She explained that she had anticipated the pair would take more time to enjoy their marriage before starting a family.

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