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NUJ urges protection of press freedom in Nigeria

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The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged government at all levels, civil society organisations, the public, and other stakeholders to support and protect press freedom in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ms. Grace Ike, Chairperson, NUJ FCT Council, made the call at a “Walk for Press Freedom” in solidarity for media rights, press freedom, and democracy.

The event, organised by the council on Monday in Abuja, is one of the activities for the NUJ FCT 2025 Press Week, with the theme: “Seeking deliverance from the ancient troubles of life.”

Ike stated that, “it is only through a robust, independent media that democracy could truly flourish.”

She described the walk as not just a symbolic gesture, but a powerful statement that the media in Nigeria remained the vigilant guardian of truth and the uncompromising defender of democracy.

“As we gather through this period for this press week activity, we reaffirm that a free press is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy.

“Without press freedom, society is shackled, voices are silenced, and the pursuit of freedom is in vain.

“The truth becomes a distant dream. Our profession holds the flame that lights the path for good governance, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights,” she said.

Ike affirmed that amidst economic challenges and growing threats to press freedom, members of the union were committed and united against censorship, intimidation, and attacks on journalists.

“We will continue to champion a media space that respects rights of journalists, nurture democracy and empower every voice,” she pledged.

Ike also demanded improved working conditions for members, asserting that “journalists are not beggars.”

“We must ensure that those who risk their lives and uphold truth are treated fairly and professionally.

“I keep saying journalists are frontline workers in the quest for truth, justice and national development and have the need to be treated with utmost parity and interest,” she said.

Ike, however, urged journalists to uphold ethical journalism, including balanced reportage, while holding leaders accountable and giving voice to the voiceless and the vulnerable in society.

“We must resist misinformation and embrace the evolving media landscape responsibly.

“The theme of this year’s reflection on press freedom also reminds us that freedom of expression is a driver for all other human rights, and it comes with a whole lot of responsibility,” she added.

Speaking also, Mrs Evelyn Onyilo, Chairman, Press Week Organising Committee, urged government to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of the press as guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.

Onyilo stressed that “anything short of that is unacceptable and is against the principles of ideals of democracy.”

She emphasised the need to end the usual suspicion against journalists, saying “those in power should not see journalists as enemies.”

She decried the situation where people use the media to acquire power, but once they get there, they not only see journalists as unimportant, but also try to humiliate them.

“Journalists’ welfare must be taken care of. Most of them work in very horrible conditions and people treat them as if they are nothing,” Onyilo added.

The Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, said the walk was to amplify the importance of press freedom in Nigeria.

“We want to say that press freedom is our right; it’s not a privilege. We want to say that press freedom is the mother of all other freedoms.

“Therefore, we hope that today’s event will go to the major stakeholders that we should all come together, unite, and fight for press freedom,” Yahaya said.

The walk, which had journalists in FCT and its environs participating, kicked off from Berger roundabout and ended at the council’s secretariat in Utako.

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Brazil Beat Haiti 3-0, Boost Knockout Hopes

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Brazil strengthened their chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti today. The South Americans delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity to secure three crucial points.

From the opening whistle, Brazil imposed themselves on the match. Their midfield trio dictated tempo, recycling possession and stretching Haiti’s defensive lines. Within the first 15 minutes, Brazil’s pressure paid off when striker Gabriel Silva converted a low cross from the right flank, giving his side an early lead.

Despite conceding early, Haiti showed resilience. They tightened their defensive shape and attempted to hit Brazil on the counterattack. Winger Jean-Pierre Louis tested Brazil’s goalkeeper with a sharp effort from distance, but the shot was comfortably saved. Haiti’s determination kept the scoreline respectable through much of the first half.

Brazil doubled their advantage just before halftime. Midfielder Lucas Andrade unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, leaving Haiti’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The strike highlighted Brazil’s technical superiority and gave them a cushion heading into the break.

In the second half, Brazil maintained control. Their passing sequences frustrated Haiti, who struggled to regain possession. Brazil’s third goal came in the 70th minute when substitute forward Rafael Costa capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly into the net. The goal sealed the contest and allowed Brazil to manage the closing stages with confidence.

Brazil’s coach emphasized balance, ensuring the team did not overcommit forward. The defensive line remained compact, neutralizing Haiti’s attempts to break through. This tactical discipline prevented Haiti from creating clear chances and underscored Brazil’s maturity in tournament play.

Although Haiti failed to score, their effort was commendable. The team fought hard, pressing when possible and showing flashes of creativity. However, the gulf in quality was evident, particularly in midfield battles where Brazil consistently regained control.

The victory places Brazil in a strong position in their group. With six points from two matches, they are now favorites to progress to the knockout stage. The team’s blend of youth and experience appears to be clicking at the right time, raising hopes among supporters for a deep run in the tournament.

Brazil will face a tougher test in their next fixture against a European opponent. The team must maintain focus and continue refining their attacking transitions. For Haiti, the defeat complicates their path forward, but they remain mathematically alive. Their next match will be decisive in determining whether they can keep their World Cup dream aliv

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine

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Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.

Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.

They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.

The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.

The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.

A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.

Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.

With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.

The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.

They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.

Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.

After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.

They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.

The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.

Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.

Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.

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Judicial Battle Reboots Kwara ADC’s 2027 Election Machinery

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The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has converted a recent legal threat into a political launchpad. Following an appellate court victory that halted an attempt to deregister the party, the Kwara ADC has declared its full readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.

A Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu originally ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other opposition parties.

The decision was met with an outcry by opposition coalition who alleged the judicial action was another manipulative scheme to cripple opposition politics in the nation and give an unearned leap to ruling parties for the 2027 election cycle.

The “threat however, disappeared into thin air as the Court of Appeal in Abuja swung into action and delivered a strong rebuff on the lower court. A stay of execution of the deregistration order was issued by the Court of Appeal.

Experts and political leaders in opposition said the lower court’s ruling had contravened judicial hierarchy as courts above had already issued a stay of proceedings. It has returned to status quo, following the successful legal defence as the Kwara State chapter of the ADC has called an emergency State Executive Committee meeting at its State Secretariat, Ilorin.

Party stakeholders have already turned the page from the legal battle to an intensive grassroots mobilisation as party structures have been instructed to get set for the next election cycle.

“This issue, while appearing like a setback, has only united us more than before,” said the Kwara State Chairman of ADC, Babatunde Muhammed, who assured that “

The Court of Appeal intervention in our case has revived my confidence in the country’s judicial system, and that you cannot simply rubbish an existing political movement because you have access to some judges.

We remain unruffled” he added. Consequently, all ADC Candidates and ward executives in Kwara State have been tasked to commence voter outreach immediately with a unit-by-unit grassroots mobilisation plan that aims to put the current ruling party on the defensive by articulating how the ADC platform and agenda contrast with the performance of the incumbent administration.

The new approach of Kwara ADC will focus primarily on local security issues, fiscal and economic management and ensuring a free and fair electoral system in 2027 election.

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