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Media Sustainability: Soneye Advocates Tax Reliefs, Independent Fund For Journalism

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Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Femi Soneye, has called on the Federal Government to support the Nigerian media with targeted incentives, including tax reliefs and import duty waivers on essential media tools.

Soneye made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award, conferred on him by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

The NUJ leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, alongside the Deputy Chair, Secretary-General, and other executives, described Soneye as a consummate professional who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in the communications field.

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In his remarks, Soneye noted that while the Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continues to grapple with systemic challenges that weaken its effectiveness.

“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges, financial, political, legal, and technological that weaken its effectiveness. The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure,” he said.

He also urged the Federal Government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.

The award underscores Soneye’s long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable Nigerian media.

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Kaduna: Hayin Danmani Community Decries Fatal Accidents on Western Bypass, Threatens Protest Over Inaction

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Residents of Hayin Danmani, a community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass in Kaduna State, have decried the recurring loss of lives on the highway, threatening to stage a protest and block the road if the government does not take immediate action.

In a joint press statement, the community said many lives have been lost between 2025 and 2026, with most of the victims being residents of Hayin Danmani.

The community lamented the frequent accidents on the bypass, alleging that no concrete measures have been taken by authorities to address the situation.

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“Enough is enough. We will not tolerate this anymore. Our people are being killed on the Kaduna Western Bypass, and nothing has been done,” the statement read.

“If this continues, we will not fold our arms while our people are losing their lives. The next line of action is a protest. We will mobilize our community members to come out en masse to protest and block the road until the government does the needful.”

The community cited a recent incident on Tuesday, where a young man identified as Mr. Dauda, reportedly a soldier, was killed after being hit by a trailer. He died instantly.

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NANS-RN Disowns Alleged ‘President’, Warns Public Against Impostor

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The recognised leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Republic of Niger Chapter (NANS-RN), has distanced itself from one Abubakar Muhammad Uwaisu, accusing him of falsely parading himself as the “National President” of the association.
In a press disclaimer issued by the association’s Secretary General, Comrade Mustapha Y. Haruna, the group described Uwaisu’s claim as “false, baseless, and a deliberate act of impersonation and misrepresentation.”

The association stated that Uwaisu “is not, and has never been” its president, urging the public, media organisations, government agencies, and diplomatic stakeholders to disregard any statements or representations made by him in that capacity.

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NANS-RN further alleged that Uwaisu lacks the qualifications and institutional backing required to assume any leadership role within the body, noting that leadership within the association is based on due process, legitimacy, and the confidence of its members.

The statement also raised concerns about alleged conduct attributed to Uwaisu, including remarks directed at Musa S. Mamman, Secretary General of the Nigeria–Niger Joint Commission, whom the association described as a respected diplomat with a record of national service.

The association cautioned key institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps and the Federal Ministry of Education against engaging with Uwaisu under any official pretence, emphasising that he does not represent Nigerian students in the Republic of Niger.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity and unity of the student body, the leadership said it would pursue all lawful measures to safeguard the association’s image.

It also urged stakeholders to verify official communications through recognised NANS-RN channels to avoid being misled.

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UAE to Withdraw from OPEC Effective May 1, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Tuesday that it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026.

The decision, reported by a Dubai-based local media outlet, stems from the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision as its energy profile evolves. This includes accelerated investments in domestic energy production, following a comprehensive review of the country’s current and future production capacity, as well as its overall output policy.

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“This would be based on the UAE’s national interest and commitment to contributing effectively to meeting the market’s pressing needs,” the report added.

The UAE stated that it will continue to act as a responsible and reliable energy supplier, bringing additional production to the market gradually and measuredly, in line with demand and market conditions.

The Emirates also reaffirmed its commitment to investing across the entire energy value chain—including oil and gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions—and to working with partners to ensure stable global supply.

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