The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.

In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.

“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.

The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.

“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.

RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.

“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.

“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.

On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.

Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.

In a bold move to shield journalists against escalating digital dangers, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The pact was sealed during a high-level courtesy visit on Wednesday by the NUJ led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike to the leadership of NDPC.

The delegation, sought the Commission’s support in training journalists on data protection to strengthen ethical reporting and safeguard public trust.

“In today’s world, data is power. Data shapes narratives. Data drives governance. Data influences elections. Data can build trust and it can also destroy reputations.

“As journalists, we sit at the intersection of information and public trust. Every day, we collect data, process data, interpret data, publish data, and sometimes even protect sensitive data,” Ike stated.

She noted that the digital ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with cyber threats increasing, digital surveillance becoming more sophisticated, and misinformation spreading faster than verification.

“This is why our visit today is strategic. We are here to seek partnership—specifically in the area of capacity building and training for journalists within the FCT and beyond. We believe journalists must be fully conversant with Nigeria’s data protection laws and policies, equipped to handle personal and sensitive data responsibly, trained to prevent digital breaches and cyber infiltration, and empowered to protect their devices, sources, and newsroom systems from digital attacks.”

Comrade Ike stressed that a journalist who does not understand data protection in this era is vulnerable, and a vulnerable journalist weakens democracy.

“The media must not only report on data protection compliance; we must embody it.”

She emphasized that the engagement would bring journalists up to speed with Nigeria’s data policy framework, provide practical guidance on lawful data handling, expose journalists to digital security best practices and strengthen resilience against cyber threats targeting media institutions

Comrade Ike commended the NDPC under the leadership of Dr. Olatunji for its strides in data governance and privacy protection. She reiterated that well-equipped journalists would better understand how to report responsibly without breaching privacy rights.

In his remarks, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the FCT Council for the initiative, noting that the Commission’s mandate thrives on awareness creation.

He highlighted recent strategic engagements with journalists in Lagos and Abuja during National Privacy Week, stating that beyond promoting compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the NUJ can also help showcase career opportunities within the data protection ecosystem.

On behalf of the Commission, Dr. Olatunji pledged to organize a one-day induction training for the FCT Council. He also offered free Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers and slots in the certification programme as part of a broader strategic collaboration.

“Media is the Fourth Estate, and awareness is never too much,” he said, referencing ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework.

Since 2019, the NDPC has generated ₦16.2 billion in revenue—₦7.2 billion remitted to the Federal Government—hosted delegations from eight nations, and led large-scale Global Privacy Week trainings in Lagos.

“We’re ready to leave a legacy,” Olatunji pledged, adding that follow-up meetings would be held to develop a blueprint for rural penetration and expanded awareness.

This pact promises empowered reporters, stronger data governance, and a safer digital Nigeria, where responsible journalism can thrive without fear of cyber threats.

Human Rights Activist and Sahara Reporter publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for the alleged lawlessness of Nigerian police officers. Sowore stated on social media, “The Nigeria Police Force has been ruined by illegal IG, Kayode Egbetokun, under him, the Nigeria Police Force has become a mercenary force for fraud”

This criticism comes after police officers invaded an Abuja hospital on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, attempting to arrest Akpa Achema Stephen, an inpatient with life-threatening injuries, despite a subsisting court order prohibiting the arrest. The patient, diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and peptic ulcer disease, was brought to the hospital from police detention with complaints of bloody stool.

Human rights lawyer, Marshal D F Abubakar, emphasised that the police must respect the patient’s right to life, stating, “The right to life of the inpatient must be respected as only a person that’s alive that can stand trial.” He also noted that the police are not above the law and must adhere to the court order.