The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Imo State Government, is organizing a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening the media’s role in addressing development challenges in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions. The event, scheduled for October 23-24 in Owerri, will gather senior editors and media executives from across the country.

According to a joint statement by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the workshop will focus on how the media can help tackle socio-economic, political, and environmental issues in these regions. The 50 participants, drawn from print, electronic, and online platforms, will explore ways to raise public awareness, amplify marginalized voices, and hold power holders accountable.

The workshop, themed “The Media as Partners in Regional Development,” will feature expert presentations and focus on strategies like collaborative reporting and investigative journalism. Governor Hope Uzodimma is set to open the event, with NGE President and UNICEF Nigeria’s Head, Cristian Munduate, as co-hosts.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called out certain legal professionals for distorting the law to serve their paymasters. Speaking at the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Port Harcourt, Fubara emphasized the judiciary’s role as a sacred institution that must uphold justice without bias.

Fubara warned judges that their decisions have serious implications and urged them to stand firm in delivering justice. He stated, “Judges are seen as God on earth, and if you fail to administer justice rightly, you will face divine judgment.”

The governor also praised the Rivers State Judiciary for supporting his administration despite various threats and pressures. He assured that he would never interfere with their duties, urging them to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

In his sermon, Bishop Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo warned against conflicting court rulings, which harm the country’s unity and governance. He reminded the judiciary of their divine responsibility to uphold justice, cautioning that those who misuse their power will eventually face God’s punishment.

The Edo State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Betsy Obaseki, alongside her Oyo State counterpart, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has called for concerted efforts to combat the rising prevalence of teenage pregnancy and abortion, which significantly hinder the social development of young girls in Nigeria.

This call to action was made during a seminar in Benin City, marking the fourth edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), themed “Say No to Teenage Pregnancy and Abandonment.” Former First Ladies of Ekiti and Imo States, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi and Nneoma Okorocha, respectively, also joined the initiative, advocating for improved conditions for the girl-child.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Obaseki highlighted the progress made in the fight against social vices impacting young girls, noting a significant increase in the number of states adopting the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law, which has grown from 12 to 35 states. She emphasized the importance of these laws in protecting the girl-child and holding violators accountable.

“We gather here every year to address social vices affecting the girl-child in the country. We are not just here to play football but to address these challenges,” she stated. “Teenage pregnancy and abortion have become serious issues in Nigeria, particularly in the South-South region, exposing children to various health risks, including Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF). Poverty has made families vulnerable, leading to the exploitation of young children.”

Mrs. Obaseki also noted the effective measures implemented in Edo State over the past eight years to safeguard the girl-child, including the prosecution of offenders under the VAP Law.

Former First Ladies Adeleye-Fayemi and Okorocha, along with other attendees, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Obaseki for her impactful initiatives that have positively influenced many lives.

The keynote speaker, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, praised Mrs. Obaseki’s innovative approach, referring to it as a model for addressing teenage pregnancy and child motherhood in the South-South region. She underscored the importance of empowering girls to assert their rights and make informed decisions about their lives.

“The Obaseki model offers a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges facing the girl-child in Nigeria,” Toyo remarked. “It provides a framework for keeping girls engaged and winning the battle against the issues they confront.”

The seminar served as a platform for collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the welfare and rights of young girls in Nigeria.