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Enewaridideke Ekanpou Condemns Compromised Journalism, Champions Cultural Roots and Institutional Strengthening
By: Divine Perezide,
Prominent author and publisher, Enewaridideke Ekanpou, has delivered a strong rebuke to the state of journalism in Nigeria, accusing some members of the press elite of undermining national development by weakening vital institutions. Speaking during the fourth anniversary of Congress Newspaper/TV held at TM Hotel in Warri, Ekanpou delivered a thought-provoking keynote titled “Journalists as Killers of Strong Institutions and the Society as Killers of Awakening Journalism.”
Ekanpou emphasized that robust institutions are central to any nation’s progress, as they combat corruption and foster development. However, he decreed a growing trend where journalists forsake investigative integrity in exchange for financial incentives, commonly referred to as “Brown envelope journalism. ”
“It is the worst form of betrayal in journalism for a journalists or newspaper to take dictation from certain individuals based on financial inducement,” he stated passionately. “Such journalists lose the moral authority to demand accountability. ”
He credited President Bola Tinubu for championing institutional reforms, pointing to TANTITA Security’s anti-oil theft drive in the Niger Delta and the Presidential AMNESTY Programmes new direction under Cheif Dr. Dennis Otuaro as example of progress. On the state level, Ekanpou praised Governor SHERIFF OBOREVWORI’S MORE Agenda , describing it as in line with the Federal government’s Renewed hope vision.
Despite these positive strikes, Ekanpou insisted that journalists must do more. He ured them to reclaim the core Values of their profession by embracing what he termed”awakening journalism “an approach committed to truth telling and holding power to account. He condemned the trend where newspaper notify subjects of upcoming critical stories in rhis 8 8exchange for bribes, describing this unethical practice as practice “bribes, describing This unethical practice as “barbaric APROKO Journalism.”
Invoking the legacy of Enerst Sissei Ikoli, the pioneer Nigerian journalist who used the press to influence colonial-era constitutional changes, Ekanpou urged the media to revive its role as the people’s watchdog. He also called attention to the errosion of of African cultural and spiritual systems, which he said were deliberately dismantled by the colonial forces.
“Before we build strong institutions, we mast first rebuild and our cultural and spiritual foundations,” he said, referencing Lord Macaulay’s 1835 speech which advocated cultural disintegration as a method of control over colonized societies.
Enewaridideke didn’t spare welthy Nigerian ls in his address, accusing many of overlooking community-based media platforms. He lamented that these individuals typically ignores indigenous newspapers unless embroiled in controversy, only to spend heavily on national dailies for image laundering. This neglect, he warned, endangers grassroots journalism which is vital for localised civic engagement.
He also raised concerns over the proliferation of unedited awards, given by media outlets to questionable figures, noting that such practices undermines credibility and weaken institutions further.
In his closing remarks Ekanpou called for a “mutual partnership” between the press and society’s privileged class, stressing that financial support for journalism should be aimed at empowering integrity-not buying silence.
“Journalists need you to survive. You need journalists to watch over significant part of your life. Without this synergy, figurative death stakes both,” he concluded.
The event drew a vibrant audience of journalists, publishers, youth and women leader, and other stakeholders who echoed Ekanpou’s urgent call for a return to courageous, ethical journalism anchored in African cultural identity.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice