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Press Release

DFI-IRT, DFI-STS Arrest, Detain 67 Suspects In Widespread Crime Crackdown

by Fasnews January 11, 2024

written by Fasnews

In furtherance to the sustained efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to curb crimes and criminality across the country, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department Tactical Team- DFI-IRT and DFI-STS have successfully arrested 67 suspects for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, gunrunning, one-chance, armed robbery, banditry across the country.

Similarly the Police has recovered 5,454 rounds of live ammunitions of different calibre, 300 live cartridges, 50 empty shells of ammunition, 68 rifles, and 33 different ATM cards amongst others.

Prominent amongst these achievements, is the arrest of three (3) suspects who are members of a gunrunning syndicate in connection with the Christmas Eve attack on some villages in Plateau State, they are currently in police custody and assisting with investigation.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on behalf of the police force, said the suspects: (1) Ahmed Sulaimon (2) Balikisu Aliyu (3) Aboki Samuel, were arrested with 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-49 rifle, 1000 rounds of live ammunition and 5 magazines in their possession.

“Also, 4 suspects were arrested in connection with the bank robbery at Otukpo where Nine (9) AK-47 rifles were recovered from the said suspects while five (5) suspects fell to the superior fire power of Police operatives during a fierce gun duel at their hideout in Taraku village, Buruku LGA of Benue State.

“They all confessed to committing the heinous act and linked other gang members who are at large and have also named Terzungwe Shionda a.k.a ‘3-star general’ (now late), Terlumum Pila and one Ayuko both at large, to be the ones supplying them arms on loan for their operations.” Adejobi explained further.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun has reiterated the commitment of the Police to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens by relentlessly cracking down on criminals and criminally related activities and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is a safe space for everyone.

By Fikunmi Sokoya

January 11, 2024 10 comments

Crime & Security Press Release

Delta Police Responds To Misleading Narrative Regarding Deaths Of Charles, Ejiro

by Fasnews September 26, 2023

written by Fasnews

The Delta State Police Command has issued a statement in response to a misleading narrative posted on Pararan Mock News regarding the deaths of two young men, Charles Okpako and Ejiro Ekeipovwe, allegedly murdered on 12/7/2023 by yet-to-be-identified security operatives at Ogbolokposu community, Uvwie LGA.

In an effort to provide clarity and dispel misinformation, the Delta State Police Command wishes to address the matter as follows:

On 14/07/2022, a murder case was reported by Rhoda Ese Okpako and Erhiga Omavovwe Andrew, accusing one Apostle Michael Akpor and his police escort of shooting at a tricycle, resulting in the tragic deaths of Charles Okpako and Ejiro Ekeipovwe.

The case was promptly transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.

Key findings from the investigation include: The tricycle rider confirmed being shot by policemen on escort duty but could not identify the officers involved.

An eyewitness, Festus Ebereri, claimed to have been present during the incident but could not positively identify the Apostle’s vehicle when shown alongside similar vehicles during an identification parade. Furthermore, the police officer accused of firing the shots was confirmed to be on a different assignment at the time of the incident and not present in Ogbolokposu. Delta

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage showed Apostle Michael Akpor entering and leaving the church premises, contradicting the allegations. Upon the completion of the investigation, a duplicate case file was submitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for review. The DPP, after careful examination of the case, determined that there was no “prima facie” case of the offense of murder against Apostle Michael Akpor, INSP Ignatius Agazhie, and ASP Mesoro Victor.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP. Wale Abass, extends his condolences to the families of Charles Okpako and Ejiro Ekeipovwe. He assures the public that the command remains fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the deaths and pledges to uncover the identities of the suspected uniformed security officers involved in the incident.

Furthermore, the Delta State Police Commissioner advises the public against engaging in cyberstalking, emphasizing that it is a clear violation of the Cyber Crime Act of 2015. He warns media personalities, bloggers, and social media influencers, or any individuals who engage in such behavior, to desist from such acts, as they could face arrest and prosecution.

CP Wale Abass

CP Abass urges the public to remain calm and encourages anyone with relevant information that could assist the investigative process to provide information anonymously through the command’s Social Media handles or call the command’s dedicated lines (09155570007; 09155570008) for immediate response.

This statement was issued by DSP. Edafe Bright, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command.

September 26, 2023 22 comments

Crime & Security NGR News Press Release

IGP Sets Up Schools Protection Squad,Launches Handbook For Schools Program

by Fasnews July 31, 2023

written by Fasnews

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, as part of his policy geared towards security of lives and property, most especially safety of schools and students, has announced the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions across Nigeria.

IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun

In furtherance of the safety drives, the IGP has also concluded plans to launch a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook for the Safe Schools Programme. The official launch and training event is scheduled to take place on 9th of August 2023, with the participation of 250 individuals drawn from various sectors, including the presidency, executive, judiciary, legislature, security agencies, civil society organizations, media, school administrators, unions, and other stakeholders. IGP

The Schools Protection Squad (SPS), according to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, in a statement made available to FASNEWS, is a specialized unit within the Nigeria Police Force tasked with drawing up policies and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of students, teachers, and school infrastructure. The squad will be equipped with relevant assets and advanced training to effectively respond to security challenges facing educational institutions.

The launch of the School Protection Squad (SOP) handbook for the Safe Schools Programme is an integral part of the initiative. This comprehensive handbook outlines the best practices and guidelines for securing schools, risk assessment, emergency response protocols, and collaboration between various stakeholders. The SOP will serve as a crucial reference for educational authorities, security agencies, and other participants involved in the Safe Schools Programme, empowering them to take coordinated and effective measures in ensuring the safety and protection of schools.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, hereby calls on all relevant stakeholders to actively participate and support the initiative for the safety and general well-being of our educational assets in Nigeria. The IGP similarly believes that through collaborative efforts and a united approach, Nigeria can build a robust education system that guarantees a secure and conducive learning environment for every child.

July 31, 2023 225 comments

Crime & Security NGR News Press Release

Cute Abiola Faces Criminal Charges Over Contemptuous Police Uniform Skits

by Fasnews July 27, 2023

written by Fasnews

In a recent press release, the Nigerian Police Force has condemned the actions of popular comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, also known as “Cute Abiola,” for his portrayal of the police uniform in two skits posted on social media.

The skits, which were deemed disrespectful and derogatory, have sparked outrage and raised concerns about the violation of the Criminal Code and Penal Code Law.

The Nigerian Police Force is taking the matter seriously and has announced that Abdulgafar Abiola (cute abiola) will be subject to investigation and potential prosecution. The law enforcement agency has previously warned skit makers and filmmakers against misrepresenting or desecrating the police uniform, as such actions undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who serve the nation in law enforcement.

The police force emphasizes its commitment to upholding the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue legal measures to ensure accountability for anyone who seeks to bring disrepute to the uniform or the institution it represents. They call on the public, including media personalities, to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid actions that could erode public trust in the revered law enforcement institutions.

The case of “Cute Abiola” has raised important discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility to uphold the honor and reputation of essential institutions like the police force.

July 27, 2023 12 comments

NGR News Press Release

Communique Issued At Inauguration Of PSPAF, Capacity Building For HRs

by Fasnews February 12, 2023

written by Fasnews

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) in partnership with the Nigeria Police, Plateau State Command and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) Open Society Foundations inaugurated the Police Stakeholders Partnership and Accountability Forum (PSPAF) and conducted a Capacity Building workshop for Human Rights Monitors in Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria on February 2, 2023.

The inauguration of the Forum (PSPAF) and the capacity building are some of the activities under the “Community Access to Justice and Criminal Justice Interactive project’’ being implemented by RULAAC with support from OSIWA.

The general objective of the PSPAF project is to facilitate the coordination and projection of the voices of communities affected by insecurity and to promote their involvement in designing and implementing workable solutions to insecurity in their communities and to enhance access to justice to the poor and most vulnerable groups who are unequally and disproportionately affected by a dysfunctional criminal justice system.

The PSPAF project considers the need to foster a platform for regular interaction, engagement and dialogue between the police and communities, to promote partnership in jointly determining policing priorities, finding workable solutions to crime and insecurity and preventing human rights violation. The project also considers the need to empower citizens to monitor, share information with the police and report incidents in their communities.

With an already established Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability in Lagos, and Police Stakeholders Partnership Forum, PSPAF in Anambra and Rivers states by RULAAC, in collaboration with the NPF under the immediate past IGP Mohammed A. Adamu, the project seeks to create additional stakeholders’ platforms in other focal states and to organize periodic meetings. The inauguration of the PSPAF in Plateau State is the fourth in the series.

The event was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Police Command, CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka; the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Justice, Plateau State Government, represented by the Director of Legal Drafting, Mrs. Shetak Becklang; the Officer in Charge (O/C) Legal Department, Plateau State Police Command ASP Okon Umoren; other Senior Police Officers including Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) for AngloJos Div, Nassarawa Gwong Div, Rantya Div,; representatives from the office of the Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), Plateau State Command; the State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Plateau State, Mrs. Grace N Pam; representatives of community based and other civil society organisations, women and youth groups, people living with disabilities, academics and the media. PSPAF

Dr. Theophilus Danjuma Sheshi, a Senior Fellow (Research) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), representing Prof. Dung Pam Sha, chaired the event.

Issues, Concerns And Observations of PSPAF

1. Participants welcomed the initiative of establishing the Stakeholders Partnership and Accountability Platform (PSPAF) to bring together the Police, community based and other CSOs and the media, Ministry of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, the academia and diverse social groups, for regular interaction and dialogue to reach a common ground on issues, create mutual understanding, promote partnership, coordinate and project the voices of communities affected by insecurity to jointly identify problems and solutions towards reducing crime and human rights violations, enhance access to justice to the poor and most vulnerable and engender a safe and just society

2. Participants agreed on the need for civil society to factor into their police reforms advocacy, the challenges that the police face in the discharge of their important but difficult duties and the need for the federal government to urgently and radically improve police welfare and operational environment, to empower and motivate them for effective performance to deliver on their safety and security mandate in partnership with the community.

3. Participants identified the need for information sharing between the police and civil society, including the media, to ease crime fighting and news reportage towards a just safe, and peaceful society.

4. Participants underscored the need for the police to follow established legal procedures and due process in the discharge of police duties and exercise of police powers especially the treatment of suspects or persons accused of crime, and for professionalism to guide law enforcements actions

5. Participants condemned the frequent and unchallenged incidents of attacks on the offices and facilities of the independent national electoral commission (INEC) across the country, and expressed concerns about the effects these attacks may have on the 2023 general elections and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria PSPAF

6. Participants decried increasing incidents of kidnappings in the state, including a recent kidnap of a Divisional Police Officer in the state, and noted the negative effect that poor resourcing, inadequate training and lack of adequate equipment for effective policing have on the ability of police officers to effectively tackle crime and address security challenges in the state

7. Participants noted that although a lot of people have celebrated peace on the Plateau, but a lot of issues still need to be addressed to entrench and consolidate peace and harmonious co-existence in the state

8. Participants welcomed the Nigeria Police’s vision of community policing, but observed that that while neighborhood and community security outfits such as neighborhood watch and members of the special constabulary are contributing to checking crime and addressing some security concerns in some communities, they are also constituting security threats in other communities and underscored the need for effective supervision to rein in their excesses in communities where they are considered as threats to security

9. Participants decried the proliferation and misuse of arms everywhere across the country by various criminal groups and noted that the criminal activities of arm bearing criminals is likely to affect the conduct and outcome of the 2023 general elections if not checked

10. Participants called on the Nigeria police authorities to increase their commitment to checking persistent human rights violations, in order to stamp out impunity and rebuild public confidence and support, noting that wrongful law enforcement methods do not invite public support but subvert the effort to restore or build citizens’ confidence to provide information to the police

11. Noting the interrelatedness and complementarity of the different works that civil society, the media and the Police do, all of which are geared towards building a just, safe and stable society where the rights of every citizen including the police are protected, participants underscored the need to build a bridge of friendship, mutual understanding, cordial relationship, cooperation and partnership between civil society organisations, the media and the police

12. Participants called for increased commitment by all stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights and access to justice especially for the poor and most vulnerable groups in communities in the state

13. Participants called for mutual understanding and improved relations and cooperation between the police and the media in information sharing and management of security information to ensure balanced and responsible reportage, noting that news reporting has to factor in the interests of the police, the media and the masses. According to a participant from the media, “We need to be in partnership for effective community policing”.

14. Participants noted that a functional and effective criminal justice system is essential to building the economy and stated that the need for an effective administration of criminal justice that protects the interest of the poor and the most vulnerable cannot be over emphasized.

15. Participants noted reports by some community representatives that ‘Community policing has made tremendous impact in our community’ and that the incorporation of hunters and vigilantes into community policing has helped to improve security in their communities. Participants called on the authorities to adequately resource, strengthen and oversight the operations of community policing as a strategy for tackling crime across the communities in Plateau and other States

16. Participants noted the need for sensitization against ethnic profiling and colouration of situations stating that crime is not defined by ethnic background but by individual’s disposition, and that crime is a threat to all groups and could be perpetrated by any individual or group.

17. Participants acknowledged that police officers are also human beings and are therefore entitled as other citizens to all the human rights guaranteed by the constitution and international laws.

18. Participants called on citizens to collaborate with the Police in crime fighting for a peaceful and safe Nigeria noting that the police derive their legitimacy from public consent and partnership and that effective policing is only possible when there is mutual trust and partnership between the police and the community they serve

19. Participants called on human rights monitors to ensure that they are guided by the principles of human rights monitoring and reporting including ensuring verification of every information and avoiding arm chair investigations. They must be unbiased when collecting information, avoid one sided information and accord all parties fair hearing. They must also ensure accuracy, confidentiality, impartiality, gender sensitivity and observe the do-no-harm principle which entails that interviewees or community members should not be exposed to risk. If you think giving out their identities will expose them and their lives to danger, they must be treated with confidentiality.

20. Participants also called on Human rights monitors to constantly update, develop and improve themselves with in-depth knowledge of human rights principles, know how to mediate, learn to collaborate and work with other human rights advocates, build credible contacts and serve as a reservoir for data and information

21. Participants called on the Police to understand and comply with human rights norms and protect the rights of citizens as contained in chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution. This is essential to gain public trust and cooperation

22. Participants called for informed debates on the contentious and controversial issue of State Police and urged civil society to work in collaboration with the national assembly and the media to initiate the debate in order to reach a common understanding and agreement of how to operationalize it in states that desire to do so, putting in place modalities that will address the concerns of its opponents.

23. Praticipants observed that in some LGAs in Plateau State where there are no police stations (such as Bassa LGA), the introduction of community policing has helped to fill the gaps in policing and helped to improve security. PSPAF

24. Participants called for care and due diligence in selecting and recruiting people from communities as Special Constables so as to secure the integrity and effectiveness of community policing. Participants also called on the Police to exercise oversight over the operations of the Special Constables and members of the neigbourhood watch in communities so as to rein in their excesses. Participants advised that only people of good character known and endorsed by the communities and trained for the work of a Special Constables should be recruited. Police should not be seen or perceived as a dumping ground for criminals and misfits

25. Participants acknowledged the exemplary performance and conduct of some exceptional police officers who are serving their communities satisfactorily and doing good to the image of the Nigeria police. CSP Musa Hassan DPO Nasarawa/Gwong Police Division was particularly acknowledged as one such exceptional police officer under the Plateau State Police Command.

26. Participants acknowledged that Stop and Search operations may occasionally become necessary as a crime fighting strategy to ‘’dig out evidence including illegal possession of arms by criminal elements’’. An instance was cited of a particular case where police stopped a group of boys in a Keke (Tricycle) and were searched and found with guns. Participants however, cautioned on the need to ensure that incessant Stop and Search operations are not turned into avenues for harassment, extortion and brutality

27. Participants called on communities to collaborate with the police and provide information that will help the police to get rid of crime and criminal elements in their communities.

28. Participants called for special training for police officers on the handling of cases of gender based violence and child abuse, and for victims to be accorded all the support they need to survive the trauma. Police officers should be trained to eschew the ingrained cultural prejudices, notions and practices that discriminate against, dehumanise and further victimize the victims.

29. Participants called on the Ministry of Justice, Plateau State to take steps to ensure that legal and institutional frameworks to address and deal with cases of gender-based violence and child abuse including rape are put in place

30. Participants called for urgent enhancement of police manpower strength through massive recruitment in accordance with the Police Recruitment Guidelines developed by the PSC, and further called on the federal government to decisively intervene and resolve the needless power tussle between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector General of Police over the mandate and power to conduct police recruitment. All legal loopholes and contradictions creating confusion and making the resolution of the dispute difficult should be urgently addressed by both the legislature and the judiciary

31. Participants called on the authorities to ensure adequate compensations to the families of police officers who were killed in the violence that characterized the #EndSARS protests. The shabby treatment meted to police officers who lost their lives in the course of duty has the effect of demoralizing police officers who are still in service

32. Participants also decried the attitude of withholding information and treating every information as official secret in the era of freedom of information, and the resultant uncooperativeness of the police in sharing vital information that the media and CSOs need to conduct evidence-based advocacy and reportage. For example, participants observed that police authorities are usually reluctant to share information on police budget and the number of police officers killed during #EndSARS. How then can CSOs advocate or the media report accurately when the police are not willing to share vital and harmless information!

33. Participants condemned attacks on police officers by some community members when police go to carry out arrest or to deliver police invitations. Participants agreed on the need to create awareness of the provisions of the Police Act 2020 and other relevant laws noting that ignorance of the law- which is not an excuse – is responsible for citizens not knowing that it is a crime to assault a police officer or obstruct police duty

34. Participants thanked the Commissioner of Police CP Bartholomew Onyeka for honouring the invitation to inaugurate the PSPAF Plateau State and for running an open door policy which enables citizens access to him with useful information that has helped him in achieving a tremendous improvement in the state of security in the state within the short period he has been in charge as the CP in the state

35. Participants called for the support of all PSPAF stakeholders for the CP and the Police leadership in the state and also pledged the support of the group as a body to ensure that lasting peace and harmonious co-existence is restored in Plateau State

36. Participants underscored the need for stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to contributing to the collective effort to save our democracy and rescue the country from the precipice

37. Participants thanked the Chairman, Dr. Theophilus Danjuma Sheshi, a Senior Fellow (Research) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for effectively moderating the proceedings and ensuring that it was participatory and fruitful.

38. Participants commended the Plateau State Coordinator of the NHRC Mrs. Grace Pam for effectively coordinating the meeting and facilitating the Capacity Building for human rights monitors

39. Participants thanked RULAAC for considering Plateau State in the implementation of the PSPAF project and especially thanked OSIWA for providing the support. They called for more of such PSPAF engagements in all the states, and for another meeting of the PSPAF in Jos very soon.

Signed:

1.Yusufu Aminu Idegu (CSO/Media)

2. Mrs. Grace Pam (NHRC)

3. Okechukwu Nwanguma (RULAAC)

February 12, 2023 5,129 comments

Crime & Security NGR News Press Release

IGP Launches SmartForce Database Management System For Digitalization

by Fasnews February 1, 2023

written by Fasnews

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, has launched the ‘IGP-SmartForce Database Management Centre’ today Wednesday February, 1 2023, for Personnel Records Digitalization and Biometric Capturing of all officers of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that all officers have their details captured and stored for record purposes and to ease administrative bottlenecks, create ease in tracking postings/transfers, and issue Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards for personnel identification.

IGP

The SmartForce with Storage Servers domiciled in the Nigeria Police Force National Command and Control Centre (NPF-C4i) facilities and SmartForce office, Office of the Force Secretary in the Force Headquarters, Abuja, is aimed at integrating the Force into an ICT-Based System to simplify the management of its personnel records, manage the entire workforce of the Nigeria Police Force, uniquely manage/identify each personnel of the Force and is structured with modern technological concepts to monitor the distribution of personnel workforce and access across the country. The system will aid the office of the Force Secretary in planning for the deployment of personnel in the Force, budgetary-related issues, tracing/identification of Police personnel, and retrieval of records as it relates to serving and retired Police personnel. IGP

According to the Force Public Relations Officer,CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, the IGP has equally flagged off the practical training of Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) and ICT Officers from the 36 State Commands and the FCT at the Force Headquarters on handling and use of the gadgets provided for data capturing of all personnel including a modernized hi-tech biometric machine with unique features like Fingerprint scanner, 2D Scanner, and Smart Facial Recognition application. IGP

While reiterating his vision for a Police driven by the integration of cutting-edge technology, the Inspector-General of Police ( IGP) has ordered a total overhaul of the former system and a swift commencement of the digitalization process across all Commands and Formations of the Force for timeous upgrade and operation of the system.

February 1, 2023 251 comments

NGR News Press Release

Ogun Declares Tuesday, Wednesday Work-Free Days For PVC Collection

by Fasnews January 22, 2023

written by Fasnews

Ogun State Government has declared Tuesday, 24th, and Wednesday, 25th January, as work-free days for workers in the state public service for their PVC collection.

According to a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, “Following the extension of Permanent Voter Cards collection till Sunday, January 29, 2023, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Dapo Abiodun has graciously approved two days – Tuesday, 24th and Wednesday, 25th January as work-free days to enable public servants to collect their PVCs from their respective local government”. PVC

“Gov. Abiodun also enjoined all executive members of public markets and private establishments in the State to allow flexibility in their schedules for residents to use the opportunity to visit the Independent National Electoral Commission’s offices or collection centres where they registered to collect their PVCs.

Governor Dapo Abiodun

The governor said that voting is a civic responsibility, and all eligible citizens must be allowed to exercise their rights to choose who governs them.

January 22, 2023 263 comments

Business NGR News Press Release

TPT Bags Digital, Social Media Agency Of The Year At LAPRIGA 2022

by Fasnews December 8, 2022

written by Fasnews

Barely two weeks after it emerged the PR Agency of the Year at the Nigerian Marketing Awards, TPT International has emerged the Digital and Social Media Agency of theYear.

TPT

In recognition of its unrivalled performance in setting standards of excellence in Public Relations expectations and implementation outcomes, as well as providing bespoke yet creativity-driven solutions and sustainable communication services to discerning clients across the West African sub-region, the frontline full-service Public Relations Consulting firm, TPT, has been awarded the Digital and Social Media Agency of the Year under the industry category for its entry for the Anap Foundation (Go-Nigeria).

GoNigeria, the first Political Franchise Advocacy Campaign in Nigeria at the LaPRiga 2022, themed: The Hall of Fame Edition held in Lagos, Nigeria. LaPRiga is acronym for the Lagos PR Industry Gala & Awards and it is the ultimate Public Relations industry award that encourages, celebrates and rewards excellence in the practice of Public Relations in Nigeria, an initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Lagos State Chapter.

With the Digital and Social Media Agency of the Year award coming on the heels of similar recognition and awards barely less than 2 weeks during which TPT Internationalcarted home the PR Agency of the Year Award and Reputation Management Recognition Award respectively, at the first edition of the Nigerian Marketing Awards only lends credence to the incontrovertibility that the Adetokunbo Modupe-led agency has continued to demonstrate its relevance as it continues to set and consolidate the requisite professional standards within the professional PR space across the sub-Saharan practice. TPT

TPT International Limited, a foremost PR firm prides itself on excellent practice in conceptualizing and implementing innovative and bespoke public relations projects maintains practice areas in Brand PR Visioning & Strategy, Issue & Crisis Management, Marketing PR, Public Sector Engagement, Government Relations, Political Communications, Damage Control & Crisis Communication, Lobbying, Information Communications, and Digital PR amongst others.

Adetokunbo Modupe, Founder and Chief Consultant, TPT International Limited affirmed that, once again, this award has also placed TPT on the right pedestal in the professional PR practice as well as reinforced the value-adding edge that the Agency brings to every project for various clients, due to the creative solutions it offers to diverse clients in all sectors. He further acknowledged and appreciated and dedicated the award to the agency’s clientele for entrusting their briefs to the firm while commenting his team for the diligence and creativity often proffered to ensure client’s specific business goals and objectives are met.

‘’Once again, big congratulations for the TPT win at the LaPRiga 2022 Awards. Our (TPT) place in delivering excellence and value is getting acknowledged and rewarded and it is inspiring. We will continue to strive to do more. Many thanks to our clients for entrusting their briefs to us and no fewer thanks to the team for always distilling and creatively responding to the briefs while providing bespoke solutions,’’ the TPT boss stated.

Now in its seventh anniversary edition, the LaPRiga Awards is the ultimate PR professional industry Award designed to encourage, celebrate and reward individuals who are registered PR practitioners and member-firms as well as organizations transforming the PR practice in Nigeria. It is Nigeria’s PR practice’s definitive Award designed to recognize and reward outstanding achievements in the pursuit of excellence in the delivery of outcomes in the practice of Public Relations in Nigeria. It is an initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Lagos State Chapter.

L-R: Adeoshun Bayo, Associate Director; Ify Odita, Group Head, Client Services and Onoriode Akusu, Head, Digital Media, all of TPT International at the LaPRIGA 2022 Awards in Lagos recently.

In her remark, the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo, FNIPR noted that ‘’Our goal with this theme, Hall of Fame, is to institutionalize the PR Practitioner Award’s Category.’’, she said.

Accordingly, awards are most valuable when they are credible, and this is what has made the LaPRiga a sough-after initiative. In line with this thrust, the LaPRiga Award paraded eminent jurors that constituted the Awards Selection Committee which was chaired by Chido Nwakama. Other members include: Eniola Mayowa [Secretary], Goddie Ofose [Member], Dr. Segun Alabi [Member] and Olumide Sogunle [Member].

Speaking on the rationale for choosing the winners in all the contested categories, the Chairman of the LaPRiga 2022 Selection Committee, Mr. Chido Nwakama, noted that the winning entries reported outcomes and results professionally. ‘’The winners spoke the language of public relations in reporting their activities,’’ he affirmed.

According to Nwakama, the entries weeded out were anecdotal and failed to go even to the first stage of documenting outputs stressing that at the level of LaPRiga, the expectation is to report the numbers and the outcome of the activities.

The award event that got TPT glowing, lived to its theme of Hall of Fame edition held on Friday, December 3, 2022 as it portrayed a historical night of honour, glamour, splendor and unending memories for the PR industry in Nigeria. It was indeed an evening of the constellation of stars as leading communication professionals in consultancies, multinationals, government, corporate and not-for-profit organizations, captains of industries.

The media, academia, and C-Suite executives from across different sectors and industries converged to witness and be part of history during the Hall of Fame edition with veterans and industry icons and who-is-who within the professional PR practice in Nigeria and beyond which included Mallam Zubairu Mukhtar Sirajo, FNIPR, President & Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, ANIPR, Commissioner for Strategy & Information, Lagos State who represented Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor, Lagos State, Mr. Rotimi Oladele, FNIPR, the Immediate Past President of NIPR, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, FNIPR, President, African Public Relations Association [APRA], Mr. Kayode Yeku, Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, DCP Bassey Ewah, who represented the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo, FNIPR, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mrs. Nkechi-Ali-Balogun, FNIPR, Member, Governing Council, NIPR, Clara Okoro, Chairperson, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria [BJAN], Mr. Adedayo Ojo, Founder and Chairman , Caritas Communications who was conferred with a Special Awards of Lifetime Achievement at the event amongst others.

December 8, 2022 226 comments

Business NGR News Press Release

Sterling Refreshes Romance With The Arts At Ake Festival

by Fasnews December 5, 2022

written by Fasnews

Sterling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has said it is committed to supporting the annual Ake Books and Arts Festival because it sees Nigeria as part of a larger world and believes that Nigeria’s ultimate competitiveness lies in its energy.

Sterling

Executive Director at Sterling, Yemi Odubiyi, who disclosed this over the weekend in a goodwill message at the opening of the 10th edition of the Ake Books and Arts Festival said Nigeria can become a leader in the world and its creative people as part of its competitiveness.

Sterling Bank’s Odubiyi continued by saying that “Nigeria enjoys a comparative advantage in the arts and culture domain, and Sterling, being focused on promoting the development of human capital and improving national competitiveness, is thrilled to have been a part of the festival for the past six years and plans to continue to do so.”

Also speaking, Founder and Director of Ake Books and Arts Festival, Lola Shoneyin said, “I’m often amused when people say they can’t believe how long we’ve been doing this. I believe it has been 10 years. It has been 10 years of bringing brainwaves to life, 10 years of learning, 10 years of celebrating the incredible work that so many of you have done and are still doing and 10 years of making lifelong friends.”

She said ‘Homecoming’ was chosen as the theme of this year’s festival because, “We were going back to Abeokuta where it all began, and it was time to reconnect with our ancestral roots. The main reason ‘Homecoming’ was so perfect is that we couldn’t wait to have you back at Ake after the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Sterling Bank Executive Director, Yemi Odubiyi

She said, after two years of lockdown and online festivals, the festival is back again as participants can mingle, catch up on news and strengthen their friendships. Adding that this moment, this feeling, is what has kept them going.

The Founder said the priority has always been to ensure that guests feel at home since the very first edition of the Ake Festival. Consequently, during this year’s edition of Ake Review, guests were asked to express what home means to them, and the common responses were: A place of love; friendship and a sense of belonging, she said.

Shoneyin thanked the winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize for Literature, Professor Abdulrazaq Gurnah and his wife, Professor Denise Gurnah for honoring the invitation to attend the festival in person. She also thanked the headliner of this year’s festival, Professor Veronique Tadjo, for finding time to be a part of the festival.
Sterling
Other highlights of this year’s festival include the hosting of Directors of the Global Association of Literary Festivals while many of the panel sessions explored different aspects of the theme. Some of the sessions focused on why home exerts a pull on us, stirs our creative impulses, influences our creative expressions, evokes profound sentiments, and shapes our perception of the outside world.

Others explored the impact of conflict, capitalism, and climate disasters as well as what it means to be displaced, to live away from home and, of course, to return. The festival also featured book discussions on the idea of a home and how for some people, the home might not be a place of safety, but a place of violence, among others.

December 5, 2022 270 comments

Crime & Security NGR News Press Release

Kogi Govt Has No Role In Shafiu Ibrahim’s Arrest, DSS Warns Suspect’s Wife

by Fasnews December 2, 2022

written by Fasnews

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned a woman who identified herself as the wife of one Shafiu Ibrahim to desist from misleading the public with fake news, hate speech, misleading narratives, and other instruments of disinformation against the Service to curry unnecessary public sympathy.

The woman, in a viral video, had claimed that her husband, who was linked to terrorism and arrested at Trademore Estate on October 24, 2022, was abducted by people who identified themselves as operatives of the DSS, alleging that the Kogi State Government, particularly the Governor of the state and his Chief of Staff, were behind his ordeal.

She had also claimed that despite being pregnant, the DSS personnel that broke into their house assaulted her and others on the said day.

Reacting to the allegations in a statement on Thursday, the Spokesperson for the Service, Peter Afunanya said Aisha was either deliberately lying or playing to the gallery. DSS

The DSS said, “She is either playing to the gallery or deliberately lying. It is not to my knowledge that she was denied access at the Agency’s gate. The DSS does not deny anyone access to its facility or suspects once the criteria for such access are met.

“There are processes/procedures in this regard. It is also very unfortunate that the lady is dragging the Service into the Kogi State local politics. She knows very well that the husband was not picked as a result of Kogi politics as she has desperately tried to link us with or make the public believe.

“Encourage her to desist from using fake news, hate speech, hostile activism, misleading narratives, and other instruments of disinformation against the Service or to curry unnecessary public sympathy.

“She knows her husband and the circumstances of his arrest which was procedurally done. And he was not the only person so arrested at the time he was.

“She should, please, stop the sensations and the mischief to drag us into Kogi politics.”

December 2, 2022 689 comments

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