Use Investigative Journalism To Tackle Insecurity, Corruption in Nigeria – Prof. Aliagan Charges NGIJ Members

Use Investigative Journalism To Tackle Insecurity, Corruption in Nigeria – Prof. Aliagan Charges NGIJ Members

The former Presidential Spokesman and Dean, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Kwara State University, Prof. Isiaka Aliagan, has challenged investigative journalists to expose corruption and unravel cover-ups surrounding insecurity issues in the country.

Prof. Aliagan made this call on Saturday while speaking as Guest Speaker at the Investigative Journalism Masterclass organized by the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ).

The lecture, titled “Fundamentals of Investigative Journalism in Nigeria: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation in the Digital Age,” drew participation from NGIJ members across the country as well as academics from the University of Abuja, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and Niger State.

According to him, investigative journalists must step out of their comfort zones by digging into issues around insecurity, corruption, and other systemic problems facing Nigeria.

His words: “Developing sustainable solutions for investigative journalism training in Nigeria requires comprehensive approaches that address systemic challenges while building on existing strengths and opportunities. Strengthening existing institutions such as yours (NGIJ) and developing new specialised training centres can provide sustainable platforms for professional development.”

Prof. Aliagan further urged the NGIJ to build collaborative networks with civil society organisations and international partners to enhance their capacity in budget analysis and data-driven reporting. He also advised on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in investigative journalism, stressing that digital tools and AI technologies can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand reporting capabilities.

The veteran journalist equally called for diverse funding sources, including grants, fellowships, and innovative revenue models, to provide sustainable support for investigative journalism practice. He emphasized the need for legal reforms that protect press freedom and ensure access to information, while also advocating for strong professional standards to enhance credibility and public trust.

Earlier, the NGIJ President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, in his opening remarks, welcomed participants to the session, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Guild’s commitment to truth, accountability, and professionalism. He noted that investigative journalism plays a vital role in giving voice to the voiceless and holding leaders accountable in an era dominated by misinformation.

“As investigative journalists, scholars, and students, our role in society is clear: to dig deeper, uphold ethical standards, and give voice to the voiceless. In this age of misinformation and disinformation, sharpening our skills and embracing modern techniques is more urgent than ever,” the NGIJ President said.

He explained that the training was aimed at building the capacity of Guild members ahead of NGIJ’s forthcoming Governance Assessment Visits to some states in the country.

Veteran Journalist, Ex-Presidential Spokesman, Prof. Z.I. Aliagan, to Lead NGIJ Investigative Journalism Masterclass

Veteran Journalist,  Ex-Presidential Spokesman, Prof. Z.I. Aliagan, to Lead NGIJ Investigative Journalism Masterclass

 

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) is set to hold a high-impact virtual Capacity Building Training on Saturday, 16th August 2025, featuring distinguished journalist, renowned academic, and former Presidential Spokesman, Professor Zubair Isiaka Aliagan, as Guest Speaker.

 

Prof. Aliagan, who currently serves as the Dean, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT), Kwara State University, Malete, is widely celebrated for his pioneering role in establishing,  teaching as well as External examiner in Mass Communication departments in leading institutions such as the University of Ilorin, Al-Hikmah University, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Kwara Polytechnic, and the Faculty of ICT at the University of Abuja.

 

According to a statement issued on Thursday by NGIJ Vice President (Communications), Oyewale Oyelola, the training—scheduled to commence at 4:00 pm—will focus on the theme *“Fundamentals of Investigative Journalism.”* Prof. Aliagan, with his decades-long experience in journalism, academia, and public service, will share valuable insights on modern investigative reporting, ethical practices, and practical approaches to uncovering the truth.

 

Oyelola explained that the programme is part of NGIJ’s strategic effort to equip its members with cutting-edge investigative skills ahead of its proposed Governance Assessment Tour to selected states across the country. 

He stressed that the session would benefit investigative journalists, media executives, and communication scholars seeking to enhance their professional delivery.

 

“The NGIJ remains committed to building the capacity of journalists to meet the demands of a dynamic media landscape. We encourage members to seize this opportunity to improve their craft and uphold the ethical standards of investigative journalism.”

Wanted General Overseer Adefolusho Arrested In Lagos

Today's Headlines: Wanted General Overseer Adefolusho Arrested In Lagos. 

Wanted General Overseer Adefolusho arrested in Lagos for cross-border drug trafficking

After months of fleeing abroad to evade arrest, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye) has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria.

Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo road, Lekki area of Lagos on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by NDLEA officers who waited for him since morning to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises.

The arrest came after he had evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June when operatives started trailing him following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him.

JUST IN: Tinubu orders emergency repair of all major roads, bridges

JUST IN: Tinubu orders emergency repair of all major roads, bridges

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an emergency repair of all major roads and bridges across Nigeria.

The directive was given by the president on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

A statement by the Federal Government of Nigeria said the repair as directed by the president is aimed at preventing the collapse of the road infrastructure and ensure the safety of all road users.

Some of the roads included in this recent initiative of the president are the Third Mainland Bridge, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and the Kano-Maiduguri Highway.

In addition, the Federal Government said the effort to repair these key roads is a strategic move towards boosting infrastructure and growing the nation’s economy.

“President Tinubu directs emergency repairs on key roads and bridges nationwide to prevent collapse and ensure safety. Projects include Third Mainland Bridge restrictions, repairs on Lagos-Badagry, Kano-Maiduguri Highway, Kebbe Bridge Sokoto, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, and Benin-Asaba Road.

This strategic move advances the #RenewedHopeAgenda by boosting infrastructure resilience and economic growth across Nigeria,” the Federal Government said.

Ogun State Government Debunks Senator Gbenga Daniel's Barefaced Lie, Says Prince Abiodun Not after Former Governor

Ogun State Government Debunks Senator Gbenga Daniel's Barefaced Lie, Says Prince Abiodun Not after Former Governor 

The attention of the Ogun State Government has been drawn to a press statement issued by the Media Office of the Senator representing Ogun East and a former Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,  on Saturday, August 9 and titled "Political Persecution as Governor Abiodun Issues Quit, Demolition Notices on Daniel's Properties in Ogun State." 

The statement written in extremely bad taste and with intent to cause disaffection and foment chaos in the state alleges that Governor Dapo Abiodun posted Notices of Contravention, Quit and threats of demolition on the Asoludero Court Sagamu private residence of Gbenga Daniel,the Conference Hotels Limited, Sagamu and the hotel Annex of the former Governor of Ogun State, with intent to illegally demolish those properties.

 The statement framed the said notices  purportedly received on Friday, August 8, as a clear demonstration of  “malicious and vindictive abuse of power, hiding behind a newly-enacted law retroactively to target a political opponent.” Nothing can be further from the truth.

Of course, in what has become a familiar pattern, Senator Daniel and his Media Office have been  ascribing political motives to a routine procedure, suggesting that they have something to hide and do not mind using underhand tactics to achieve their sinister  objectives.

Contrary to the blatant distortions  of facts and egregious purveyors of falsehood  been propagated by the statement in question, the Ogun State Government is not engaged in any untoward move against Otunba Gbenga Daniel in anyway. 

The fact of the matter, quite simply, is that in his holistic approach to  development efforts across the length and breadth of Ogun State, His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, has  embarked not only on building new communities as exemplified by the affordable housing estates and the yellow roof revolution but also on the redevelopment of Ogun State's towns and cities through urban renewal. This, he started with Ibara GRA in Abeokuta, the state capital, and is  being extended to Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode GRAs. This initiative involves the auditing of existing developments within these areas in order to determine the permit status of all types of developments, including houses, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings. This is a statutory and due process requirement which will provide information for any government intervention. And this informed the development audit exercise currently being carried out simultaneously both in Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu GRAs. 

Otunba Gbenga Daniel's building happens to be within the Sagamu GRA and among those that were served notices as required under the Town Planning Law and Regulation of Ogun State. Many other structures were also similarly served. The exercise is a continuous one until the objective of government for the exercise is achieved. This  process is not new. It had been in existence and operated even during his tenure as Governor of the State. The GRA is a government designed and allocated estate and it is  subject to regulatory and oversight functions of governmet in perpetuity. All Otunba Gbenga Daniel needs to do, like every other person's in  similar situation that have been served with such  notices in that neighbourhood, is to present his planning permit and land title to the relevant government Agency office for verification within the time specified in the notices rather than resorting to cheap blackmail. There are no exemptions under the law except as permitted by that Law.

Did the distinguished senator not conduct a check around the neighbourhood before hastily rushing to the media to demonise Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, as usual? The statement in question jumped the gun by saying that the Government is focusing on Senator Daniel. That is a barefaced lie. It is the duty of the Government to carry out audits and for someone who has been in office as Governor and who is now a Senator to be crying wolf is highly unfortunate. It seems that Senator Gbenga Daniel and his crew will do anything they can to drag the name of Governor Dapo Abiodun into every issue imaginable just to score cheap political points. This is not a hallmark of statesmanship, a topic that the distinguished senator likes to talk about with flourish; it is a dark tactic.

 

Nobody is bigger than the State. Senator Gbenga Daniel is distinguished no doubt, but he is not bigger than Ogun State. He should submit himself unreservedly to the same laws he once swore twice to uphold. He should refrain from elevating every issue of his contact with government institutions to a personal vendetta by Governor Abiodun, who obviously holds him in high esteem. Since his referenced buildings must have conformed with government regulations, there should not be any problem. The distinguished Senator knows the law and has presumably abided by it, so why is he crying foul instead of simply complying with lawful directive, supremely confident in the knowledge that he has done no wrong, and knowing the rights afforded him by the Constitution and the courts?

No one should assign impure motives to a routine procedure. If anyone is after Senator Gbenga Daniel, it is certainly not the Governor of Ogun State.

E signed 

Kayode Akinmade 

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy

K1 DE ULTIMATE REPORTEDLY STRUGGLES WITH VALUEJET STAFF, JUMPS IN FRONT OF PLANE TO PREVENT TAKEOFF-

K1 DE ULTIMATE REPORTEDLY STRUGGLES WITH VALUEJET STAFF, JUMPS IN FRONT OF PLANE TO PREVENT TAKEOFF- 

Veteran Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate, on Tuesday, reportedly created a scene at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when he allegedly physically jumped in front of a ValueJet aircraft in a bid to stop it from taking off after a brush with one of the aircraft attendants.

Sources revealed that K1, who was onboard the plane, was drinking from a flask when he was approached by the flight attendant who suspected that the content was alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

The attendant was said to have asked the iconic musician to surrender the flask, but K1 refused, saying it was medication prescribed by his doctor. Following his refusal to give up the flask, the flight crew deboarded him.

Consequently, an enraged K1 rushed to the front of the aircraft in an attempt to prevent it from taking off. The Fuji star was said to have been seen standing in front of the aircraft, with the ground personnel pleading with him.

However, the plane pilots forcefully took off while K1 and the personnel fled to avoid being hit by the wing of the plane.

Meanwhile, NCAA, today, announced the suspension of the flight pilots for breaching of aviation safety protocols by taking off and endangering the safety of ground personnel and other airport users.

Apart from the suspension of the pilots, the aviation authority is said to be considering putting K1 on a ‘no-fly list’, over his conduct.

A ‘no-fly list’ is a database of individuals prohibited from boarding commercial flights due to suspected links to terrorism or other security threats.

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-deputy gov Omisore joins Osun guber race

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-deputy gov Omisore joins Osun guber race

 

Barely two weeks after denying interest in the 2026 Osun State governorship race, Daily Sun can authoritatively reveal that former Osun State Deputy Governor and immediate past National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Iyiola Omisore, has joined the race.

In the past two weeks, there has been a resurgence of political activities around his campaign office in Osogbo, the state capital, where renovation works have reached an advanced stage to make the facility functional once again.

Following insinuations in some quarters about his aspiration, Daily Sun decided to put a call across to him Monday afternoon, and the former lawmaker who represented Osun East Senatorial District at the Senate confirmed to our reporter that “Yes, I will run.”

He further disclosed that he had met some leaders of the APC to intimate them of his aspiration.

With his entry into the race, the number of aspirants vying for the APC governorship ticket in Osun has risen to nine.

Before Omisore, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, and seven others had already declared their interest in the party’s ticket. The seven aspirants are Mr Dotun Babayemi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senator Mudashiru Hussain, Mr Akin Ogunbiyi, Mr Benedict Alabi, Mr Kunle Adegoke Rasheed, SAN, and the incumbent National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

Meanwhile, sources close to the party have disclosed that the party was strategising to ensure that it conducts a rancour-free primary election, especially because, apart from one or two of the aspirants, most of them are heavyweights who cannot be brushed aside.

“This is our best chance to take back Osun. If we miss this chance, it will not augur well for the party. This is why we are planning and working to see how we can have a rancour-free primary election, and we believe that it is achievable. We need unity of purpose,” one of the sources said.

Daily Sun investigations revealed that one of the key motivations behind those canvassing for Omisore’s candidacy is the belief that Ife, his hometown, would deliver a significant number of votes for the party if their son is in the race for the state’s number one seat.

However, when confronted with this argument, a party chieftain dismissed it, saying the claim “is neither here nor there.”

According to him, “I agree with you that Ife and Osogbo will deliver huge votes. But it all depends on the candidate. As you may be aware, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s deputy is from Ife, and you know a bird in hand is worth more than one in the air. So, what it means is that no 100 percent. For Osogbo, it is the seat of power, so government will concentrate energy and resources there, as such ‘Omo Ilu (son of soil)’ sentiment won’t work there.

“But you must also recognise the fact that any area we decide to choose our candidate from outside of Ife and Osogbo, the people will rally round their own to give us plenty votes as well.

“Who would have imagined that Iragbiji, not the entire Boripe Local Government, will give us about 30,000 votes in the last governorship election? So, I think what the leaders of the party can do is to ensure we go for someone with name recognition across the state, with sound background and political trajectory that is unblemished,” he added.