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NUJ Applauds DSS for Releasing Journalists, Commitment to Press Freedom

NUJ Applauds DSS for Releasing Journalists, Commitment to Press Freedom

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, who were detained while covering a funeral event in Plateau State.
Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang were arrested after posting a video on social media that captured a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral of the late mother of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their arrest sparked widespread concern within the media community, with many viewing the incident as a violation of press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists performing their lawful duties.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, expressed relief at the journalists’ swift release and lauded the intervention of DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi. According to the NUJ, Mr. Ajayi not only ordered the immediate release of the journalists but also personally reached out to the union to apologise for the incident and reaffirm his commitment to press freedom.
“The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency,” Abdullahi said.
The NUJ described the gesture as a “positive and commendable shift” in the culture of Nigeria’s security institutions and urged the DSS to continue respecting the rights of journalists and citizens alike.
While welcoming this development, the union called for greater accountability within security agencies. It stressed the need to discipline officers whose actions undermine democratic values and infringe on constitutional rights.
“Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated,” the NUJ president added.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with security agencies to promote professionalism and mutual understanding, while also encouraging journalists across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in their work.
The incident has reignited ongoing conversations around press freedom and the role of security agencies in a democratic society, highlighting the delicate balance between national security and the rights of the press

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, who were detained while

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Ecobank Nigeria Launches Upgraded Mobile App for Faster, Smarter, Simpler Banking Experience

Ecobank Nigeria Launches Upgraded Mobile App for Faster, Smarter, Simpler Banking Experience

Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the leading pan-African banking group, has announced the launch of its upgraded mobile app, delivering a faster, smarter and simpler banking experience for customers nationwide.

The launch marks a significant step in Ecobank’s commitment to digital innovation and financial empowerment. 

The newly enhanced mobile app features a modern design and improved functionalities, including advanced facial recognition, seamless bill payments, airtime top-ups and QR code payments, all tailored to make banking more convenient for customers on the go.

In his comment, the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, said: “These new features make smart banking effortless for our customers using their smartphones. The new mobile app leverages digital technology to offer real convenience, security and flexibility, enabling individuals to manage their finances with ease.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Kola Adeleke, explained that: “The upgraded app comes with account opening, cardless onboarding; end to end card management for card request, activation, PIN change, block and unblock account; end to end profile management; dormant account reactivation and live monitoring of foreign exchange rates.”

He added: “This app is not just a digital tool; it represents how we want to engage with our customers. Our goal is to make banking faster, smarter and simpler for our customers.”

The upgraded Ecobank Mobile App is now available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store. 

With the launch, Ecobank reinforces its leadership in digital banking innovation across Africa, building on its legacy as a connected, accessible and forward-thinking bank.

Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group operating in 33 African countries, with international offices in London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai. 

With over 220 branches, and over 50,000 agency banking locations, and robust digital platforms, Ecobank provides affordable, accessible, and instant banking services. It is strategically positioned to support Pan-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.

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Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the leading pan-African banking group, has announced the launch of its upgraded mobile app, delivering a faster, smarter and simpler banking experience for customers nationwide.

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Army, Police Rescue Six Kidnapped Victims in Taraba

Army, Police Rescue Six Kidnapped Victims in Taraba

* DEPOWA prays for troops

Linus Aleke in Abuja 

The High Command of the Nigerian Army Sunday disclosed that troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police, successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, including a child, in the early hours of 2 October 2025.

Meanwhile, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has offered prayers to God for the protection of their husbands, who stay awake to keep Nigerians safe.

The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, revealed in a statement that the victims were rescued as part of the ongoing clearance operations in Taraba State, code-named Operation Lafiya Nakowa.

He said: “On 2 October 2025, suspected kidnappers intercepted a Toyota Carina II vehicle travelling from Katsina-Ala in Benue State and abducted the passengers after forcing the vehicle to a halt near an abandoned checkpoint. The victims were taken into the bush by the armed men.

“Acting on a timely tip-off, troops of 6 Brigade, in conjunction with the police, swiftly mobilised and combed the general area. Their rapid response led to the successful rescue of six persons, comprising the driver and five passengers.”

According to him, the rescued victims were identified as Terna Gbaya (43), Musa Adamu (55), Rose Sor (35), Lydia Vyiashima (40), Comfort Iyofar (60), and a baby.

He noted that the victims have since been reunited with their families, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue any remaining victims.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the swift response and synergy between the troops and the police that led to the successful rescue operation.

He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in Taraba State.

He, however, urged the public to continue supporting the military and other security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations across the state.

In a related development, the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) has applauded the selfless sacrifices of frontline troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, who continue to put their lives on the line to secure the nation.

The association also offered prayers to God for the protection of their husbands, who stay awake to keep Nigerians safe.

The President of DEPOWA and wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Mrs Oghogho Musa, expressed this gratitude and offered prayers in Abuja during DEPOWA’s Dance Aerobics Exercise, held at the DEPOWA School, Mogadishu Cantonment.

The DEPOWA President also reiterated the association’s one-year prayer and thank-you campaign for frontline troops, aimed at recognising their sacrifices in securing Nigeria, often at great personal risk.

Mrs Musa said: ‘As you all know, we are embarking on a one-year campaign for our troops. So, on behalf of DEPOWA and all the other associations — NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, POWA, and COWA — we are sending our message of appreciation to the troops.

“We see you. We salute you. And we say thank you for all your sacrifices. Thank you for staying awake and keeping us safe. Thank you for bringing us comfort.

“We are truly grateful. We can’t thank you enough. Words are not sufficient to express our appreciation.

“But we trust that the good Lord we serve will continue to strengthen you. We stand with you. All your wives are here, keeping the home front strong. And, to God’s glory, we believe you will return to us safe and sound — in the name of Jesus. We celebrate you, and we say thank you.”

Earlier, during her remarks at the regular exercise session, the DEPOWA President encouraged the wives of serving personnel to be conscious of their diet, noting that health is directly linked to nutrition.

“If you eat healthily, you will be healthy. But if you compromise your diet, it will reflect in your health. Eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce your carbohydrate intake, and consume more protein. Avoid carbonated drinks — drink more water and fresh fruit juice. Exercise regularly to stay fit and strong, so you can maintain the home front in your husbands’ absence,” she advised.

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* DEPOWA prays for troops Linus Aleke in Abuja  The High Command of the Nigerian Army Sunday disclosed that troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in

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FUOYE Alumni Seek Calm, Unity Ahead of  VC’s Return

FUOYE Alumni Seek Calm, Unity Ahead of  VC’s Return

Funmi Ogundare 

The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Temitope Elijah Arogundade, has urged members of the university community to maintain peace and protect the institution’s image as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, resumes duty on October 14, 2025.

Arogundade, who made the appeal weekend, in an interview with journalists, stressed that the atmosphere of stability achieved under Fasina’s leadership should be sustained as the university begins the process of selecting his successor.

According to him, “As alumni, we are the ambassadors of FUOYE. Enough is enough.  We must begin to portray our university in a good light. Going forward, there must be peaceful coexistence because it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that we can make progress.”

He commended Fasina’s contributions to the growth and development of the institution, noting that his tenure has brought peace, innovation and expansion to FUOYE. 

He added that the association has confidence in the governing council to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for the next vice-chancellor.

Arogundade urged the alumni and staff of the school to continue supporting the administration to consolidate its achievements and maintain FUOYE’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing universities.

Fasina, who assumed office in February 2021, proceeded on a six-month research leave in April after receiving approval from the university’s Governing Council. 

He is expected to complete his five-year tenure in February 2026.

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Funmi Ogundare  The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Temitope Elijah Arogundade, has urged members of the university community to maintain peace and protect the

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DSS Apologizes, Releases Wrongfully Arrested Journalists in Jos

DSS Apologizes, Releases Wrongfully Arrested Journalists in Jos

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Saturday.

The President was in Jos to attend the burial of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.

According to a reliable security source, the journalists — Ms. Ruth Marcus and Ms. Keshia Jang — were detained by some overzealous operatives while covering events related to the visit.

Upon learning of the incident, the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, reportedly ordered their immediate release and directed that an apology be tendered.

The source added that the Service promptly reached out to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, to convey the DG’s apologies and reaffirm the agency’s respect for press freedom.

“The Director assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership treasures the importance of a free press in a democracy, and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

“The new DG is correcting the wrongs he inherited. One of them is overzealousness. This is why the new DG has not failed to admit so whenever the Service makes mistakes. We are witnesses to several instances when the Service apologized and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.

“The DG is an absolute lover of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that sometime ago, the DSS DG apologized to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,” added the source.

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on