“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends” -Dr. Martin Luther King

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The democratic structure of the Nigerian State has benefitted from the massive inputs of the Nigerian media for its survival and development. 

The Nigerian media ranks high on the pedestal of stakeholders of the Nigerian project, indeed, a lot of positives could be rightly credited to the Nigerian media in terms of the continued existence of this nation. 

I consider the topic under reference highly imperative given the multi-faceted challenges that are currently assailing this nation, it is my humble view that a lot of beneficial nation-building ideas can be cross-fertilized through the instrumentality of this gathering today.

My approach here today relative to the topic is to conceptually clarify the key terms and expound freely on the role of the media in our current democratic set up by appraising the delicate balance between national security and press freedom. 

As I round off this introductory session, please permit me to stress that Nigeria is in dire straits and only dialogue, constructive engagements and amplification of our shared humanity can reverse the gloomy extinction that stares us all in the face.

I must therefore commend the thoughtfulness of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NTA Headquarters Chapel for deeming it fit to come up with this topic and also extending to me, the privilege of being the speaker at today’s lecture. 

I am quite pleased that the NUJ has transcended the level of collective agitations for workers’ welfare to this instant discourse that calls for national solidarity. 
Could you please join me as I sing this eternal song of solidarity before delving into the meat of the discourse.
When the union’s inspiration through the workers’ blood shall run
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one 
But the union makes us strong
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
It is we who plowed the prairies, built the cities where they trade
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made
But the union makes us strong
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold
Greater than the might of atoms, magnified a thousand fold
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong

2.0. CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATIONS
Like most other concepts, security does not admit of an easy or all-encompassing definition, it is a robust concept with a borderless restraint. However, in simple terms, security is freedom from the potentialities and existentialities of harm, injury at the instance of hostile forces. It is protection from violence, coercion and fear. 

Historically, there has been a consideration evolution of the concept of security since the end of the Cold War which mainly were proxy wars fought US allies on the one hand and the Soviet Union on the other hand. 

Thus, security as a term of interest when referenced under this historical context would mean the increased or decreased level of hostilities between nations post World War II. 

The realm of security therefore covers such contexts as global security, human security, border security, cybersecurity, environmental security, economic security, corporate security, food security, internal security, national security among others.

By the contemplation of this lecture, it is expedient in my considered view, to highlight the definitional frame of security using these three sub-contexts namely: human security, internal security and national security.

Human security simply means the protection of fundamental freedoms, that is freedoms that are the real essence of life. Human security encapsulates three freedoms: freedom from fear, freedom from want and freedom from indignity. It suggests a situation where an individual can aspire to his desired level of happiness and peace within the society. Human security is the characterized by the absence of both violent and non-violent threats to the rights of the people, their safety and their lives. 

This again emphasizes the universal principle of self-preservation over and above the other concepts of security such as national security, global security, food security among others. It is however respectfully submitted that there is an interplay of these concepts alongside concept of human security. It is almost implausible that each of these sub-concepts of security can stand in isolation. 

Internal security on the other hand bothers largely on the maintenance of peace within the confines of a sovereign state by ensuring that there is an observance, compliance and adherence to the laws of the land by citizens. Internal security ensures that internal aggression and threats within the borders of a nation are warded off or met with the monopolized violence of the State. The responsibility of internal security is primarily within the purview of the constitutional mandate of the Police. Other paramilitary agencies equally share in this responsibility and they are all guided by the laws establishing them.

National Security as the name suggests bother on the security of the nation as a corporate entity. It is all encompassing but the main goal is the defence of the corporate existence of a country. In that vein, the armed forces are empowered by the Constitution to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. They undertake the important duty of defending the nation against external aggressors and in some instances, internal aggressors. National security could also extend to the defence of a nation’s economy against saboteurs and traitors. 

Admittedly, at the base of national security is the maintenance of the political structure of a nation state which carries with it a non-negotiability tag.

Going further under the chapter, the term media has been given several definitions, however simpliciter, the term connotes any channel of communication. This can include anything from printed paper to digital data. It refers to television, radio, newspaper, internet and other forms of communication. I dare say that any other definition is an expansion of the afore-stated ones. 

3.0 THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY
Democracy has been popularly defined as a government of the people by the people and for the people. This invariably means that democracy is about popular choices; the general expression of the will of the majority while also ensuring that the minority are not precluded from having their say. It is the system of government that opens the electorates to a vista of choices and how those choices are to be made without any fear or coercion. 

Indeed, democracy is a big deal as it practically puts the socio-economic fortunes of the people in the hands of a few decision makers. 

Most often, efforts are dissipated into referencing the executive, the legislature and the judiciary as being the three arms of government in a democracy because they are explicitly named as beneficiaries of the power sharing structure as contained in the constitution of any democratic state, however, the media is the pillar that supports this structure. This is what informs the coronation of the media as the fourth estate of the realm. The existence of the media is tied to the sovereignty of the people from whom government derives its constitutional powers in exchange for fundamental freedom of expression of the people.   

The Nigerian media is a critical stakeholder in every sphere of the Nigerian project; from the military days to this present democratic dispensation, the Nigerian media has continued to advance and stabilize the democratic structure of the Nigerian State by promoting the fundamental freedoms of the Nigerian people. With the instrumentality of the proverbial pen which is mightier than the sword, the Nigerian media has demonstrated that indeed it is a powerful force to be reckoned with in the society. 

In May 1999, Nigeria returned to democratic governance after series of military interregna and Nigeria’s Fourth Estate of the Realm has since remained resilient and patriotic in their noble duties despite the daunting intimidation, threats and harassments by state and non-state actors. 

The media having been vested with the constitutional mandate of holding the government to account has not cowered or shirked this responsibility. For context, Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is hereby reproduced below:
“The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”

The above obligation further deepens the imprimatur of the Nigerian people to hold the government to account using the agency of the mass media. A number of media organizations have gone ahead to crystallize their position in this regard by enforcing the freedom of the press as guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Again, it is not rocket science that the continued legitimacy of any democratic government is assured when the right to freedom of speech and expression and by extension other fundamental rights are protected at all costs.  

The watchdog appellation given to the media is an understatement of the power it possesses relative to governmental powers. Only a fool dares to lock horns with the fourth estate of the realm. 

The Nigerian media provides the platform through which the people are informed about the activities of the government and this is crucial because once there is a disconnect between the governed and the government, then the democratic process is exposed to attacks by agent provocateurs, saboteurs and unpatriotic elements in the opposition. 

The electoral process is another area where the noble duty of the media is also largely felt. The pre-election, election and post-election stages of the election cycles have always received adequate attention of the Nigerian media by way of voters’ education, voters’ information, voters’ mobilization and monitoring of election results. The electorates are presented with plethora of information by the Nigerian media in an election season and the consequent choices again give life to our democracy.

Furthermore, the democratic development of the nation rests on the shoulders of the media who daily reports the activities of the three arms of the government without fail. Save for instances where a media organization is alleged to have breached certain codes of broadcasting in the opinion of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, there is hardly a time when the people are not informed about the government as well as happenings in the society.

That said, it is important to emphasise that the standard of objectivity which is a core value of the media profession has become manipulated and eroded by some media practitioners and organizations to such an extent that recklessness and partisanship is now fronted as ‘holding the government to account’. 

This is a lamentable tragedy which must reversed because the issues that now confront the Nigerian State calls for restraint, decency, patriotism and civility when reporting the news. 

The role of the Nigerian media therefore is not the portrayal of the government as weak but a careful balance is needed so as not to play into the hands of enemies of the State. This brings to the fore the issue of National security which will be discussed better in the succeeding chapter. 

4.0 NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE MEDIA
As earlier inferred, national security cannot be seen alone from the standpoint of the protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria but it encompasses the continued existence of Nigeria as a corporate entity. It therefore means that anything that comes against the circumference of that continued existence of Nigeria is to be taken as a threat to national security. This is quite instructive because there are unarmed individuals with a large followership whose words of mouth or statement can wreck devastating havoc on our corporate existence. The Nigerian media when used in advancing and propagating such inflammatory statements are culpable in such threat to national security.

Closely instructive here is the case of Asari Dokubo v. Federal Republic of Nigeria which was finally decided by the Supreme Court in 2007, one of the counts upon which the accused was charged at the trial court was premised on the interview he granted to the Independent Newspaper wherein he stated inter alia as follows:
“Nigeria is an evil entity. It has nothing to stand on and I will continue to fight and try and see that Nigeria dissolves and disintegrates and I am ready to hold on to the struggle to see to this till the day I die. I do not see any reason why I should continue to live with people that have no relationship with me whatsoever.”

The above was taken to be a threat to national security and thus the appellant was denied bail which was contested at the Supreme Court. The apex court in deciding the propriety or otherwise of the bail denial held as follows: 
“Where national security is threatened or there is a real likelihood of it being threatened, human rights or the individual right of those responsible take second place, human rights or individual rights must be suspended until the national security can be protected or well taken care of. This is not anything new. The corporate existence of Nigeria as a united, harmonious, indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation is certainly greater than any citizen’s liberty or right. Once the security of this nation is in jeopardy and it survives in pieces rather than in peace, the individual’s liberty or right may not even exist.”

The above decision was a restatement of an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal with Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour delivering the lead judgment. Now, this subsisting judgment of the Supreme Court became an authority upon which President Buhari stated at the NBA conference in 2018 that “Rule of Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest. Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.”

Most respectfully, the President’s conflation of national security, national interest on one hand and rule of law and individual rights on the other hand is a bit problematic, in the sense that the rule of law emphasizes the supremacy of the law over the leader, the led and the decisions taken by them in between. For definition purposes, foremost Professor of Law. A. V Dicey defined the rule of law as the equality of all persons before the law; observance of all laws by persons and authorities, irrespective of status. In the case of Military Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (2001) FWLR (Pt. 50) 1779, the Supreme Court held inter alia as follows: “The Nigerian Constitution is founded on the rule of law, the primary meaning of which is that everything must be done according to law. Nigeria, being one of the countries in the world which professes loudly to follow the rule of law, gives no room for the rule of self-help by force to operate.”

The rule of law is therefore accommodative of national security, the national interest and individual rights. 

Contradistinctively, the President was right that individual rights can take the back stage in favour of national interest and by extension, national security. It is therefore submitted that human rights can be suspended upon the determination of a court of competent jurisdiction.

It is not a secret that some sections of the Nigerian media have given their platforms to secessionists, ethnic jingoists, tribal warlords and others who have an issue with the unity of Nigeria to promote their warped ideologies and agenda. This is a grave misapprehension of one of the core ethics of journalism which is fair and balanced reportage of the news. However, in my opinion, unfair and unpatriotic comments ab-initio should not qualify to be reported in the news. Given the peculiarities of the Nigeria, our choices are limited in this journey of nationhood and given the potent power of the press, we should ensure as much as possible that negative opinion moulders do not get the attention they so much desire by featuring them as new items.

It is naturally expected that mainstream media will reflect the distinctions in our national unity by upholding the difference in opinions and perspectives of our diverse tribes and culture. This however must be subject to our shared national values. There is the need for a proper management of our diversity by media organisations, in such a manner that the national interest is protected at all costs.

A lot unite us in this nation rather than our differences, we must celebrate our significant positives and tone down our apparent negatives. It is a fact that cannot be gainsaid that the menace of insecurity has become so protracted and convoluted that no region is spared of it. Violent cult activities, armed robbery attacks, the ENDSARS protests, the Southern Kaduna massacres by armed herders, IPOB agitations and lately Ilana Omo Oodua agitations, banditry, Boko Haram attacks, attacks on police formations, abductions are just few examples of the geographical distribution of insecurity in Nigeria.

I must stress however that insecurity is a universal phenomenon and the current challenges bedeviling our security architecture are largely traceable to the political instability and crisis of the Sahel Region notably Libya and Morocco and the resulting proliferation of arms has provided opportunities for criminal elements who now assail Nigeria with all manners of woes. It is a fact that the whole world remains a huge arena of conflict and insecurity despite the concerted efforts at world peace. Advanced democracies have their fair share of insecurity especially gun-related shootings but the manner of dissemination of the news always tend to portray the authorities in those countries as strong and powerful enough to contain these threats.  It is therefore wise for the Nigerian media to douse tensions that viciously threaten us by upholding the tenets of responsible and patriotic journalism other than the one that gives more leverage and attention to the enemy.

The role of the media during conflict situations for instance should not only protect the developing activities in a particular area but to present the comprehensive response of the State in order for citizens outside those affected areas and indeed everyone to engage the Government as touching the conflict. 

The Fourth Estate of the Realm must ensure a dispassionate and objective dissemination of information at all times to the citizens. The government should endeavour to constantly engage the press so that it will not suffer perception issues. The freedom of the press is non-negotiable and paramount in a constitutional democracy and its protection must be guaranteed at all times, an attempt to gag the press or criminalize free speech is an invitation to the rejection of governmental authority which is entrusted on the government by the people. On the other hand, citizens must be educated by the press that every right comes with its corresponding duty and responsibility, free speech therefore should not be construed to mean license to make careless, reckless and violence evoking statements.

The above advisory should not be construed as suggesting that the Nigerian media should favour the government at the expense of the citizens’ right to proper information. On the other hand, the government must clarify issues of national interest by engaging and seeking the understanding of the media rather than their usual response of coercion. 

5.0 CONCLUSION
The role of the media in stabilizing Nigeria’s democracy can be viewed from the standpoint of their duties as affirmed under the constitution. 
There is no gainsaying the point that the Nigerian media has been at the forefront of advocacy for citizens’ participation in governance and in my considered opinion, they remain the real defenders of this core democratic right. The balance here is that every right comes with its corresponding responsibility and as a passionate advocate of press freedom, I want to strongly counsel that the Nigerian media in upholding fundamental freedoms should also strive to uphold and defend national security.

·     Ajulo, the Managing Partner Castle of Law and Executive Director, Egalitarian Mission For Africa delivered this paper at the NUJ NTA Headquarters Chapel’s Week in Abuja.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The democratic structure of the Nigerian State has benefitted from the massive inputs of the Nigerian media for its survival and development. 

The Nigerian media ranks high on the pedestal of stakeholders of the Nigerian project, indeed, a lot of positives could be rightly credited to the Nigerian media in terms of the continued existence of this nation. 

I consider the topic under reference highly imperative given the multi-faceted challenges that are currently assailing this nation, it is my humble view that a lot of beneficial nation-building ideas can be cross-fertilized through the instrumentality of this gathering today.

My approach here today relative to the topic is to conceptually clarify the key terms and expound freely on the role of the media in our current democratic set up by appraising the delicate balance between national security and press freedom. 

As I round off this introductory session, please permit me to stress that Nigeria is in dire straits and only dialogue, constructive engagements and amplification of our shared humanity can reverse the gloomy extinction that stares us all in the face.

I must therefore commend the thoughtfulness of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NTA Headquarters Chapel for deeming it fit to come up with this topic and also extending to me, the privilege of being the speaker at today’s lecture. 

I am quite pleased that the NUJ has transcended the level of collective agitations for workers’ welfare to this instant discourse that calls for national solidarity. 
Could you please join me as I sing this eternal song of solidarity before delving into the meat of the discourse.
When the union’s inspiration through the workers’ blood shall run
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one 
But the union makes us strong
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
It is we who plowed the prairies, built the cities where they trade
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made
But the union makes us strong
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong
They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold
Greater than the might of atoms, magnified a thousand fold
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
Solidarity forever
For the union makes us strong

2.0. CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATIONS
Like most other concepts, security does not admit of an easy or all-encompassing definition, it is a robust concept with a borderless restraint. However, in simple terms, security is freedom from the potentialities and existentialities of harm, injury at the instance of hostile forces. It is protection from violence, coercion and fear. 

Historically, there has been a consideration evolution of the concept of security since the end of the Cold War which mainly were proxy wars fought US allies on the one hand and the Soviet Union on the other hand. 

Thus, security as a term of interest when referenced under this historical context would mean the increased or decreased level of hostilities between nations post World War II. 

The realm of security therefore covers such contexts as global security, human security, border security, cybersecurity, environmental security, economic security, corporate security, food security, internal security, national security among others.

By the contemplation of this lecture, it is expedient in my considered view, to highlight the definitional frame of security using these three sub-contexts namely: human security, internal security and national security.

Human security simply means the protection of fundamental freedoms, that is freedoms that are the real essence of life. Human security encapsulates three freedoms: freedom from fear, freedom from want and freedom from indignity. It suggests a situation where an individual can aspire to his desired level of happiness and peace within the society. Human security is the characterized by the absence of both violent and non-violent threats to the rights of the people, their safety and their lives. 

This again emphasizes the universal principle of self-preservation over and above the other concepts of security such as national security, global security, food security among others. It is however respectfully submitted that there is an interplay of these concepts alongside concept of human security. It is almost implausible that each of these sub-concepts of security can stand in isolation. 

Internal security on the other hand bothers largely on the maintenance of peace within the confines of a sovereign state by ensuring that there is an observance, compliance and adherence to the laws of the land by citizens. Internal security ensures that internal aggression and threats within the borders of a nation are warded off or met with the monopolized violence of the State. The responsibility of internal security is primarily within the purview of the constitutional mandate of the Police. Other paramilitary agencies equally share in this responsibility and they are all guided by the laws establishing them.

National Security as the name suggests bother on the security of the nation as a corporate entity. It is all encompassing but the main goal is the defence of the corporate existence of a country. In that vein, the armed forces are empowered by the Constitution to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. They undertake the important duty of defending the nation against external aggressors and in some instances, internal aggressors. National security could also extend to the defence of a nation’s economy against saboteurs and traitors. 

Admittedly, at the base of national security is the maintenance of the political structure of a nation state which carries with it a non-negotiability tag.

Going further under the chapter, the term media has been given several definitions, however simpliciter, the term connotes any channel of communication. This can include anything from printed paper to digital data. It refers to television, radio, newspaper, internet and other forms of communication. I dare say that any other definition is an expansion of the afore-stated ones. 

3.0 THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY
Democracy has been popularly defined as a government of the people by the people and for the people. This invariably means that democracy is about popular choices; the general expression of the will of the majority while also ensuring that the minority are not precluded from having their say. It is the system of government that opens the electorates to a vista of choices and how those choices are to be made without any fear or coercion. 

Indeed, democracy is a big deal as it practically puts the socio-economic fortunes of the people in the hands of a few decision makers. 

Most often, efforts are dissipated into referencing the executive, the legislature and the judiciary as being the three arms of government in a democracy because they are explicitly named as beneficiaries of the power sharing structure as contained in the constitution of any democratic state, however, the media is the pillar that supports this structure. This is what informs the coronation of the media as the fourth estate of the realm. The existence of the media is tied to the sovereignty of the people from whom government derives its constitutional powers in exchange for fundamental freedom of expression of the people.   

The Nigerian media is a critical stakeholder in every sphere of the Nigerian project; from the military days to this present democratic dispensation, the Nigerian media has continued to advance and stabilize the democratic structure of the Nigerian State by promoting the fundamental freedoms of the Nigerian people. With the instrumentality of the proverbial pen which is mightier than the sword, the Nigerian media has demonstrated that indeed it is a powerful force to be reckoned with in the society. 

In May 1999, Nigeria returned to democratic governance after series of military interregna and Nigeria’s Fourth Estate of the Realm has since remained resilient and patriotic in their noble duties despite the daunting intimidation, threats and harassments by state and non-state actors. 

The media having been vested with the constitutional mandate of holding the government to account has not cowered or shirked this responsibility. For context, Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is hereby reproduced below:
“The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”

The above obligation further deepens the imprimatur of the Nigerian people to hold the government to account using the agency of the mass media. A number of media organizations have gone ahead to crystallize their position in this regard by enforcing the freedom of the press as guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Again, it is not rocket science that the continued legitimacy of any democratic government is assured when the right to freedom of speech and expression and by extension other fundamental rights are protected at all costs.  

The watchdog appellation given to the media is an understatement of the power it possesses relative to governmental powers. Only a fool dares to lock horns with the fourth estate of the realm. 

The Nigerian media provides the platform through which the people are informed about the activities of the government and this is crucial because once there is a disconnect between the governed and the government, then the democratic process is exposed to attacks by agent provocateurs, saboteurs and unpatriotic elements in the opposition. 

The electoral process is another area where the noble duty of the media is also largely felt. The pre-election, election and post-election stages of the election cycles have always received adequate attention of the Nigerian media by way of voters’ education, voters’ information, voters’ mobilization and monitoring of election results. The electorates are presented with plethora of information by the Nigerian media in an election season and the consequent choices again give life to our democracy.

Furthermore, the democratic development of the nation rests on the shoulders of the media who daily reports the activities of the three arms of the government without fail. Save for instances where a media organization is alleged to have breached certain codes of broadcasting in the opinion of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, there is hardly a time when the people are not informed about the government as well as happenings in the society.

That said, it is important to emphasise that the standard of objectivity which is a core value of the media profession has become manipulated and eroded by some media practitioners and organizations to such an extent that recklessness and partisanship is now fronted as ‘holding the government to account’. 

This is a lamentable tragedy which must reversed because the issues that now confront the Nigerian State calls for restraint, decency, patriotism and civility when reporting the news. 

The role of the Nigerian media therefore is not the portrayal of the government as weak but a careful balance is needed so as not to play into the hands of enemies of the State. This brings to the fore the issue of National security which will be discussed better in the succeeding chapter. 

4.0 NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE MEDIA
As earlier inferred, national security cannot be seen alone from the standpoint of the protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria but it encompasses the continued existence of Nigeria as a corporate entity. It therefore means that anything that comes against the circumference of that continued existence of Nigeria is to be taken as a threat to national security. This is quite instructive because there are unarmed individuals with a large followership whose words of mouth or statement can wreck devastating havoc on our corporate existence. The Nigerian media when used in advancing and propagating such inflammatory statements are culpable in such threat to national security.

Closely instructive here is the case of Asari Dokubo v. Federal Republic of Nigeria which was finally decided by the Supreme Court in 2007, one of the counts upon which the accused was charged at the trial court was premised on the interview he granted to the Independent Newspaper wherein he stated inter alia as follows:
“Nigeria is an evil entity. It has nothing to stand on and I will continue to fight and try and see that Nigeria dissolves and disintegrates and I am ready to hold on to the struggle to see to this till the day I die. I do not see any reason why I should continue to live with people that have no relationship with me whatsoever.”

The above was taken to be a threat to national security and thus the appellant was denied bail which was contested at the Supreme Court. The apex court in deciding the propriety or otherwise of the bail denial held as follows: 
“Where national security is threatened or there is a real likelihood of it being threatened, human rights or the individual right of those responsible take second place, human rights or individual rights must be suspended until the national security can be protected or well taken care of. This is not anything new. The corporate existence of Nigeria as a united, harmonious, indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation is certainly greater than any citizen’s liberty or right. Once the security of this nation is in jeopardy and it survives in pieces rather than in peace, the individual’s liberty or right may not even exist.”

The above decision was a restatement of an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal with Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour delivering the lead judgment. Now, this subsisting judgment of the Supreme Court became an authority upon which President Buhari stated at the NBA conference in 2018 that “Rule of Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest. Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.”

Most respectfully, the President’s conflation of national security, national interest on one hand and rule of law and individual rights on the other hand is a bit problematic, in the sense that the rule of law emphasizes the supremacy of the law over the leader, the led and the decisions taken by them in between. For definition purposes, foremost Professor of Law. A. V Dicey defined the rule of law as the equality of all persons before the law; observance of all laws by persons and authorities, irrespective of status. In the case of Military Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (2001) FWLR (Pt. 50) 1779, the Supreme Court held inter alia as follows: “The Nigerian Constitution is founded on the rule of law, the primary meaning of which is that everything must be done according to law. Nigeria, being one of the countries in the world which professes loudly to follow the rule of law, gives no room for the rule of self-help by force to operate.”

The rule of law is therefore accommodative of national security, the national interest and individual rights. 

Contradistinctively, the President was right that individual rights can take the back stage in favour of national interest and by extension, national security. It is therefore submitted that human rights can be suspended upon the determination of a court of competent jurisdiction.

It is not a secret that some sections of the Nigerian media have given their platforms to secessionists, ethnic jingoists, tribal warlords and others who have an issue with the unity of Nigeria to promote their warped ideologies and agenda. This is a grave misapprehension of one of the core ethics of journalism which is fair and balanced reportage of the news. However, in my opinion, unfair and unpatriotic comments ab-initio should not qualify to be reported in the news. Given the peculiarities of the Nigeria, our choices are limited in this journey of nationhood and given the potent power of the press, we should ensure as much as possible that negative opinion moulders do not get the attention they so much desire by featuring them as new items.

It is naturally expected that mainstream media will reflect the distinctions in our national unity by upholding the difference in opinions and perspectives of our diverse tribes and culture. This however must be subject to our shared national values. There is the need for a proper management of our diversity by media organisations, in such a manner that the national interest is protected at all costs.

A lot unite us in this nation rather than our differences, we must celebrate our significant positives and tone down our apparent negatives. It is a fact that cannot be gainsaid that the menace of insecurity has become so protracted and convoluted that no region is spared of it. Violent cult activities, armed robbery attacks, the ENDSARS protests, the Southern Kaduna massacres by armed herders, IPOB agitations and lately Ilana Omo Oodua agitations, banditry, Boko Haram attacks, attacks on police formations, abductions are just few examples of the geographical distribution of insecurity in Nigeria.

I must stress however that insecurity is a universal phenomenon and the current challenges bedeviling our security architecture are largely traceable to the political instability and crisis of the Sahel Region notably Libya and Morocco and the resulting proliferation of arms has provided opportunities for criminal elements who now assail Nigeria with all manners of woes. It is a fact that the whole world remains a huge arena of conflict and insecurity despite the concerted efforts at world peace. Advanced democracies have their fair share of insecurity especially gun-related shootings but the manner of dissemination of the news always tend to portray the authorities in those countries as strong and powerful enough to contain these threats.  It is therefore wise for the Nigerian media to douse tensions that viciously threaten us by upholding the tenets of responsible and patriotic journalism other than the one that gives more leverage and attention to the enemy.

The role of the media during conflict situations for instance should not only protect the developing activities in a particular area but to present the comprehensive response of the State in order for citizens outside those affected areas and indeed everyone to engage the Government as touching the conflict. 

The Fourth Estate of the Realm must ensure a dispassionate and objective dissemination of information at all times to the citizens. The government should endeavour to constantly engage the press so that it will not suffer perception issues. The freedom of the press is non-negotiable and paramount in a constitutional democracy and its protection must be guaranteed at all times, an attempt to gag the press or criminalize free speech is an invitation to the rejection of governmental authority which is entrusted on the government by the people. On the other hand, citizens must be educated by the press that every right comes with its corresponding duty and responsibility, free speech therefore should not be construed to mean license to make careless, reckless and violence evoking statements.

The above advisory should not be construed as suggesting that the Nigerian media should favour the government at the expense of the citizens’ right to proper information. On the other hand, the government must clarify issues of national interest by engaging and seeking the understanding of the media rather than their usual response of coercion. 

5.0 CONCLUSION
The role of the media in stabilizing Nigeria’s democracy can be viewed from the standpoint of their duties as affirmed under the constitution. 
There is no gainsaying the point that the Nigerian media has been at the forefront of advocacy for citizens’ participation in governance and in my considered opinion, they remain the real defenders of this core democratic right. The balance here is that every right comes with its corresponding responsibility and as a passionate advocate of press freedom, I want to strongly counsel that the Nigerian media in upholding fundamental freedoms should also strive to uphold and defend national security.

·     Ajulo, the Managing Partner Castle of Law and Executive Director, Egalitarian Mission For Africa delivered this paper at the NUJ NTA Headquarters Chapel’s Week in Abuja.

Barely two months after the Hero Magazine International honoured the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, with an award of Ondo State Pillar of Education of the Year 2020, another Magazine, Sunshine Standard, has conferred an award of ‘Outstanding Pillar of Education/Role Model in Ondo State on the VC.

Prof. Ige was honoured at this year’s edition of the Public Lecture /Award programme of the Sunshine Standard Magazine held on Sunday, December 19, 2021, in Akure. 

The Publisher of the Magazine, Mr. Oludaisi Adetarami, said, We periodically organize public lectures and give awards to very outstanding individuals and institutions whose impacts have been very remarkable and vastly different in scale in terms of adding value to society and our shared humanity.”

He descried Prof. Ige as a notable academic and administrator par excellence who has not only sustained the culture of academic excellence in AAUA but also breaking new grounds that would soon make the University a reference point in Nigeria’s academic circle. 

Responding, after receiving the award, Prof. Ige, thanked the publisher for the honour, saying it was an indication his modest efforts in the education sector were being noticed and appreciated. 

He said the honour would boost his overall commitment to the development of education and the humanity in general. 

In a bid to boost agricultural services and movement of farm produce from the rural communities, the Executive Chairman, Irele Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Olusegun Ajimotokin, has begun the opening up of roads from Gbogi Village to Aba Idogun, Lipanu and other neighbouring villages.

Hon. Ajimotokin said that the opening of village roads is aimed at easing the movement of agricultural produces, persons and motorists to and from the rural areas.

The former Majority Leader in the Ondo State House of Assembly explained that the linking of roads exercise is in fulfilment of his administration’s promise to provide rural infrastructure and social amenities to the indigenes. 

He promised to sustain the kind gesture across the 10 political Wards of Irele Local Government Area.

Hon. Ajimotokin further added that good roads would enhance a good transport system that would, in turn, reduce transportation costs, thereby making farm produce from the villages to be easily accessible to buyers. 

The Irele Council boss assured that several village roads would be linked in the area before Christmas and would continue in 2022.

He called on the people to continue to support government initiatives and projects for the growth and development of the entire local government.

A Security Expert and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State, Gbogi Emmanuel, has applauded the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his various people-oriented projects aimed at taking the state to a greater height.

Emmanuel, a former US Army officer, who is vying for Akoko South-West Constituency 1 at the Ondo state House of Assembly in the forthcoming 2023 general election, particularly lauded Governor Akeredolu for his giant strides in meeting people’s needs despite the prevailing economic downturn confronting the world since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. 

He spoke during an interactive meeting with some Online media including newsafresh in Akure, the Ondo State capital. 

The House of Assembly hopeful, equally commended Governor Akeredolu for the establishment of Amotekun Corps, saying this has brought peace and security to the people of the State.

Speaking on his House of Assembly ambition, Emmanuel who graduated from the old Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (OSUA) now Ekiti state University, before travelling abroad to work with the American Army, explained that the people of his constituency wanted him back home to come and serve them.

The security expert who emphasised that the people of Akoko South-West Constituency 1 deserve quality and impactful representation assured them of his readiness to invest more on the people including youths and women through real and sustainable empowerment programmes and capacity building in line with Governor Akeredolu led administration.

He added that he has been impacting on his people at home over the years through various means, noting that he has now returned home to further assist his people by using his global influence for the youths.

“I came back to this country to serve my people in continuation of what my Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been doing.

” If you look around, you will know that Akeredolu is doing wonderful jobs and that is why I said I wanted to support him. He is doing what the good people of Ondo need and no governor in this state has done what this man is doing in the areas of developmental projects.

“For us to move forward in this state, all hands must be on deck, everyone must contribute his own quotas. I have contributed my own quotas to the American Government, and time has come now to contribute my own quotas to Nigeria, in particular, Ondo state and that is why I said I wanted to contest for the House of Assembly, Akoko South-West Constituency 1 in order for me to be more closer to my people in continuation of what governor is doing in the state. 

“The good people of Akoko know what the governor has done and that is why they called me to come home to serve them. They said they need someone who can listen to them so that Mr Governor can do more developmental projects for them. 

“Akeredolu has not disappointed me at all, I have been supporting him since before he contested his first time, i supported his election but I have never lobbied for any political office. I am happy he is doing well. I want to join him in developing the state through a robust Assembly.

“I have been doing so many things for my people, paying students WAEC fees, doing empowerment programmes among others.”

The security expert who also spoke on Amotekun Corps said, “kudos to Governor Akeredolu for what he has done, he knows the importance of security and that is why he fought vigorously for the establishment and legalizing of Amotekun in the Southwest and that is why we enjoy peace in Ondo state. Akeredolu is securing the state.

“I’m not preaching the gospel of Akeredolu, but I’m preaching the good things he has done for the good people of Ondo state. 

“The job of legislature is to checkmate the Executive, So for me now, Arakinrin Akeredolu is doing well and that is why I am preaching the good things he has done; he has not derailed, and that is why I want to contest for the House of Assembly seat, to support his efforts”.

On the incumbent House of Assembly member representing Akoko South-West Constituency 1, Olugbenga Omole, Gbogi said, “he is doing his best, but his best is not enough. So, there must be a change of hands for the betterment of our people in Akoko South-West constituency 1.  I’m going to the House of Assembly to correct his lapses and move forward.”

Gbogi, who also spoke on the operation of US Army with Nigerian Army in addressing insecurity said, “is incomparable but when you look at the technicality and training, nobody can withstand the Nigerian Army.”

He, however, advised the Federal Government to equip Nigerian Army technologically to tackle insecurity.

While speaking on what he is going to do differently at the House of Assembly, Gbogi said, “I’m going to invest on my people, not to be giving them money. The major thing I’m going to tackle there is to invest on the youths, to take good care of their educational system, not buying them okada and saying that you are empowering them. You put them where they can develop their talent.

“You sponsor them out of the country to go and develop their brain, talent and they will come back to develop the society not organizing ‘Ayo Olopon’ game or one football match for them in Akoko and saying you are empowering people. I’m going to take them out of the country. I am not a politician that will start distributing okada, I’m not going to give money to anybody to vote for me but I’m going to invest in my people because we are very intelligent in Akoko.”

A Security Expert and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State, Gbogi Emmanuel, has applauded the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his various people-oriented projects aimed at taking the state to a greater height.

Emmanuel, a former US Army officer, who is vying for Akoko South-West Constituency 1 at the Ondo state House of Assembly in the forthcoming 2023 general election, particularly lauded Governor Akeredolu for his giant strides in meeting people’s needs despite the prevailing economic downturn confronting the world since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. 

He spoke during an interactive meeting with some Online media including newsafresh in Akure, the Ondo State capital. 

The House of Assembly hopeful, equally commended Governor Akeredolu for the establishment of Amotekun Corps, saying this has brought peace and security to the people of the State.

Speaking on his House of Assembly ambition, Emmanuel who graduated from the old Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (OSUA) now Ekiti state University, before travelling abroad to work with the American Army, explained that the people of his constituency wanted him back home to come and serve them.

The security expert who emphasised that the people of Akoko South-West Constituency 1 deserve quality and impactful representation assured them of his readiness to invest more on the people including youths and women through real and sustainable empowerment programmes and capacity building in line with Governor Akeredolu led administration.

He added that he has been impacting on his people at home over the years through various means, noting that he has now returned home to further assist his people by using his global influence for the youths.

“I came back to this country to serve my people in continuation of what my Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been doing.

” If you look around, you will know that Akeredolu is doing wonderful jobs and that is why I said I wanted to support him. He is doing what the good people of Ondo need and no governor in this state has done what this man is doing in the areas of developmental projects.

“For us to move forward in this state, all hands must be on deck, everyone must contribute his own quotas. I have contributed my own quotas to the American Government, and time has come now to contribute my own quotas to Nigeria, in particular, Ondo state and that is why I said I wanted to contest for the House of Assembly, Akoko South-West Constituency 1 in order for me to be more closer to my people in continuation of what governor is doing in the state. 

“The good people of Akoko know what the governor has done and that is why they called me to come home to serve them. They said they need someone who can listen to them so that Mr Governor can do more developmental projects for them. 

“Akeredolu has not disappointed me at all, I have been supporting him since before he contested his first time, i supported his election but I have never lobbied for any political office. I am happy he is doing well. I want to join him in developing the state through a robust Assembly.

“I have been doing so many things for my people, paying students WAEC fees, doing empowerment programmes among others.”

The security expert who also spoke on Amotekun Corps said, “kudos to Governor Akeredolu for what he has done, he knows the importance of security and that is why he fought vigorously for the establishment and legalizing of Amotekun in the Southwest and that is why we enjoy peace in Ondo state. Akeredolu is securing the state.

“I’m not preaching the gospel of Akeredolu, but I’m preaching the good things he has done for the good people of Ondo state. 

“The job of legislature is to checkmate the Executive, So for me now, Arakinrin Akeredolu is doing well and that is why I am preaching the good things he has done; he has not derailed, and that is why I want to contest for the House of Assembly seat, to support his efforts”.

On the incumbent House of Assembly member representing Akoko South-West Constituency 1, Olugbenga Omole, Gbogi said, “he is doing his best, but his best is not enough. So, there must be a change of hands for the betterment of our people in Akoko South-West constituency 1.  I’m going to the House of Assembly to correct his lapses and move forward.”

Gbogi, who also spoke on the operation of US Army with Nigerian Army in addressing insecurity said, “is incomparable but when you look at the technicality and training, nobody can withstand the Nigerian Army.”

He, however, advised the Federal Government to equip Nigerian Army technologically to tackle insecurity.

While speaking on what he is going to do differently at the House of Assembly, Gbogi said, “I’m going to invest on my people, not to be giving them money. The major thing I’m going to tackle there is to invest on the youths, to take good care of their educational system, not buying them okada and saying that you are empowering them. You put them where they can develop their talent.

“You sponsor them out of the country to go and develop their brain, talent and they will come back to develop the society not organizing ‘Ayo Olopon’ game or one football match for them in Akoko and saying you are empowering people. I’m going to take them out of the country. I am not a politician that will start distributing okada, I’m not going to give money to anybody to vote for me but I’m going to invest in my people because we are very intelligent in Akoko.”

Last weekend was a moment of celebration for the family of Pastor John Adeyemo, the Ondo State Head of Service as his son Adebayo Adeniran Adeyemo took the marital vow with his heartthrob, Oreoluwa Olaitan Falusi. 

The holy matrimony held on Saturday December 11 at the Saint James’ Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun Akure, was preceded by the traditional ceremony and the payment of the bride price at the Saint Thomas’s Event Hall, Ondo Road, Akure.

Earlier on Friday, an elaborate traditional engagement ceremony was held at St Thomas’s event centre 

Dignitaries present at the ceremony include the Ondo State Governor represented by his  Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries both within and outside the state, royal fathers among several other dignitaries.

In his sermon at the church service, the Officiating Minister, Pastor Elisha Ariyo, who spoke on the topic, “Make your marriage work”, described marriage as the first institution created by God.

“Marriage was established by God Himself, after he brought Adam and Eve together as husband and wife, he built a house for them in the garden of eden.

“For your marriage to work there are seven essentials which must not be lacking. Your marriage must be established upon the rock of ages, make love for each other a priority, submission and humility should be mutual, regular sex without condition, forgiveness, trust in each other and unity of purpose corroborating each other in all things.

“Some of the instruments often used by Satan to destroy the home are jealousy, hatred, suspicion amongst others, guide against these as divorce is forbidden in a christian home”, the man of God stressed.

Pastor Elisha further used the moment to remind all and sundry of the marriage supper of the lamb and beseeched participants never to miss out in the great event.

Speaking on behalf of the governor at the occasion, the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa congratulated the couple and prayed for God’s continual presence in their home. 

He said, “let me congratulate the bride’s parents for today’s occasion, you really did a great job, no wonder the Bible says he that findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favor from the Lord. I also congratulate Mr Adeyemo, this lady is an addition to your family. I say a big congratulations, I pray that the things of joy will never depart from your home”.

Speaking later at the reception, the deputy governor admonished the couple to do everything possible in ensuring the sustenance of their parents’ legacy, stressing that the relationship their parents had with colleagues and coworkers brought about this level of goodwill from dignitaries both within and outside the state.

The chairman of the reception, Pastor John Arije in his address for the couple stressed the indispensability of cooperation, and advised the couple not to cultivate the habit of taking their matters to the third party but to God in prayers. He emphasized on putting God first in all their doings.

The groom’s parents, Pastor and Rev (Mrs) John Adeyemo appreciated all for their presence.

The couple appreciated the people for their love and prayed for journey mercies for all as they go back to their various destinations.

Visitor to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has charged Nigerian universities administrators to reinforce their research efforts with a view to solving the contemporary societal problems.

The Governor gave the charge in his address at the 10th and 11th Convocation ceremony of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko on Saturday.

Akeredolu, who acknowledged the recent research efforts of AAUA, equally encouraged both staff and students of the University to strive to do more, stressing that the outlandish repetition of outmoded and inapplicable theories taught in educational institutions would only result in highly qualified citizens who lack the ability to tackle basic problems.

According to him, we are living in a time when true scholarly interventions are required to illuminate gloomy paths and it is time for our state’s institutions, particularly AAUA, to take the lead in this area.

The University convoked 5,145 graduands with the Faculty of Education having 1,415, followed by Faculty of Science – 924, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences – 1061, Faculty of Agriculture -156, Faculty of Arts – 748, Faculty of Law -181, Institute of Education – 307, Institute of Part-Time Programmes – 231, and Diploma – 13.

There were 356 graduands who received postgraduate degrees, 25 of whom were in the Ph.D. category. Of the 5,145, 53 made First Class; 1,511 earned Second Class (Upper Division), 2861 bagged Second Class (Lower Division), 667 had Third Class, while 40, were in the Pass category.

The Governor said, “I must, again, charge our education administrators to make our curriculum more relevant to societal needs. The training we give to our children should be channeled towards solving human problems. We must deliberately work towards bridging the gap between the theory we give to our students and the practical needs of the society, thus, making them employable.

“Entrepreneurial training is also more urgent now than before because white collar jobs are becoming a mirage.Let me restate my earlier position that our research and learning centres must be prepared to come up with new ideas on how to best cultivate our produce and feed our people”, he added.

The Visitor lauded the Governing Council, under the guidance of Dr. Tunji Abayomi, and the University Management under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, for working hand-in-hand to sustain the numero uno position of AAUA as Best State University in Nigeria. 

He said the state government is immensely pleased to see AAUA under our watch prospering and blossoming, having been among the top 10 institutions in Nigeria.

While noting that government alone cannot fund education, Akeredolu called on philanthropists, stakeholders, and well-to-do indigenes to join hands in expanding the frontiers of infrastructural development of the state-owned University.

While congratulating the graduands, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, advised them to look towards creating value for the society and become self-employed and employers of labour.

In his speech, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the confidence reposed in the Council that was constituted about four years ago, equally thanked the students of the University for their cooperation, adding, “You are at AAUA to be built for the future of the world and to help build the world”.

He said, “by the first quarter of the new year when we present our tenure report, we hope to hand to your government a world class Business School, AAUA Business School in Akure. Not only have we worked hard through incredible cooperation and interaction with AAUA Management to raise a beautiful edifice to have AAU Business School, we hope to establish with the ongoing dialogue with a number of prestigious USA Universities, a world class Business Institution”.

Addressing the Convocation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, congratulated the graduands on their attainment and charged them to go out there and rule the world, having been given the necessary internationally-equivalent tools.

“As we commission you today to go on your next adventure, we have the confidence and conviction that you were suitably empowered with most crucial life skills, moral rectitude, and activation of your mental and physical potential while under our guidance.

“Make sure you make important contributions to the uplift of your alma mater by becoming good ambassadors and joining forces with the alumni association”, the VC added.

He also congratulated the University’s honorary degree recipient, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who was conferred with Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), describing the former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria as a role model to humanity.

The VC highlighted some of the upshots of deepening the integrity of academic prgrammes of the University to include steadily pulling through various accreditation exercises by the National Universities Commission, NUC, and other professional bodies; having subscription from six credible higher institutions in Nigeria through affiliation; and being rated the Best State University in Nigeria in the last three years consecutively in the annual Webometrics Ranking.

He hinted that the research and development activities of the University have taken a progressive dimension, saying, “apart from our Centre for Infectious Diseases Control and Drugs Development which is at the forefront of human capacity development through workshop and training programmes and has consistently been conducting training on Application of Bioinformatics Tools in Drug Design, Discovery and Development, among others, several academic staff have stepped up their games in research as some of them recently won grants that will enable them to proffer solutions to societal problems.

“As a corollary of our research efforts, just recently an assemblage of researchers at AAUA was reported to have reached an advanced stage in producing disease and drought-resistant beans and tomatoes, while another group of researchers is on the verge of producing a potent anti-termite solution from a common local plant”, he added

Prof Ige also pointed out funding as the major obstacle for the University to attain its full capacities, saying the University’s capacity to meet the obligation of wage payment, research funding, infrastructural growth, and governing the University has been severely hampered by the paucity of fund. 

He said, “While we are doing our best to run the University in a creative manner, we seek support from relevant stakeholders and friends of the University to enable us deliver maximally on our goals of building a properly called 21st Century University.

The VC, however, noted to that despite the obvious challenges, the Management team remain focused, stressing that, “this is not because one is the Vice Chancellor, rather, the passion for advancement of education and the tenacity to take responsive ownership of what belongs to all of us with the aim of bringing out the best in it for the benefit of the society”.

While appreciating Governor Akeredolu for the confidence reposed in him to be appointed the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of AAUA and for supporting and guiding him when necessary, the VC thanked all Council members for their healthy contributions to the University.

He thanked the Alumni Association of the University for always being a partner in progress, even as he appreciated individuals and corporate donors to the University.

Prof Ige acknowledged the huge support from all staff of the University and sought more of such, saying, “I want you to know that we are just starting the project of building the AAUA that the forebears envisioned. As a university and a new administration, we are repositioning our university, having our eyes on the future”.

Responding to the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) conferred on her, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibukun Awosika, thanked the University for finding her worthy of the award. She said, “I am sincerely grateful. I do not take this for granted because it is not a right; it is a privilege”.

The need for all stakeholders in the Nigeria’s education sector to begin remodeling of the existing curricula of the nation’s universities such that they are rooted in the realities of the people and be formulated into national philosophy and ideology for sustainable development, has been stressed.

A renowned Professor of Linguistics and African Languages, Francis Egbokhare, gave the submission while delivering the 10th and 11th Convocation Ceremony lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

The lecture is entitled, “Nature of State, National Ideology and the Modelling of Higher Education for Sustainable Development”.

Prof. Egbokhare said, an education philosophy that is not ideologically grounded in terms of rootedness in the realities of the people, their conceptualisation of society, their aspirations, no matter how well crafted, is just a piece of paper.

He said, “Simply defining a philosophy based on some academic understanding of the purpose of education and on the basis of a conceptual framework based on foreign experience will only lead to dependency and enslavement.”

Prof. Egbokhare condemned the prevailing establishment of many universities as competitors instead of being collaborators to solve societal problems, adding that if Nigeria could have a right model of universities that would be generated from its national ideology, the nation would have more returns on investment. 

He noted that failure of any education system started from the conceptualization of its philosophy and the ideology that framed it, stressing that, It is not enough to establish expensive laboratories, modernize the classroom, create entrepreneurship programmes, develop critical thinking tools and establish autonomous leadership opportunities in the education system. 

According to him, without philosophical and ideological clarity, the education system simply ignores authentic social and cultural systems, the real needs of the individual and the collective.

“The reality today is that the National Policy on Education is a piece of paper produced to satisfy all righteousness. The most depressing aspect of it is that it has been crafted without a sense of ideological clarity and therefore, the policy does not transcend the semantic interpretation that it affords. 

“Second, both the producers and operators bear the burden of colonial infrastructure, having passed through a colonial education system with a fixated view of what education means and how it should be modelled”, the Guest Lecturer lamented.

 According to him, it was not correct to always believe that Nigerian graduates were not employable, but there have been glut of graduates in the system which has caused collapse of choice while searching for job.

His words, “Once there is a glut, there is a collapse of choice in job search and demand. This radically alters the factors involved in employability. In order for us to understand our perspective on the issue of employability, we need to consider four related issues. 

“These are absorptive capacity of the Nigerian economy, the lack of a culture of quality, employment practice that is not supportive of excellence and the incidence of graduate glut due to prolonged unemployment crisis.” 

He recommended an effective and sustainable model that must respond to the nature of state and national priorities across all parameters such as curricula, programmes, administration, regulatory regimes, and have philosophical and ideological clarity.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, explained that the choice of the title for the Convocation Lecture was informed by the need to seek a better approach to addressing the challenges identified with the nexus between the dynamic nature of our society and our education philosophy.

Prof Ige thanked the Guest Lecturer for accepting to share his wealth of experience with members of the University community and lend his perspectives on the topical issue that could help in re-visioning and changing the means and processes of knowledge production. 

He emphasized that the way in which students were trained should be geared towards making them more socially responsible, critical and sensitive towards sustainability issues.

Estate developer and Managing Director, Medaville Building & Construction Co. Ltd, Otunba Ademola Akin-Benson, has rejoiced and congratulated the Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on the Doctor of Laws (PhD), (Honoris Causa) conferred on him by Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State.

Akin-Benson described the honour done of the Governor as well deserved, adding that the honour bestowed on the Governor was in recognition of his  immense contributions to the development of humanity and the Nigerian society in all areas.

He equally noted with satisfaction the giant strides Akeredolu’s administration has attained in education development in Ondo State.

The estate developer applauded the Governor’s laudable accomplishments and achievements as a leader of his people, particularly in the areas of peace and security, quality education, massive infrastructures, human capital development, youth and women empowerment among several others.

He noted that Akeredolu is working tirelessly to liberate his people and make life more meaningful for them.

 A congratulatory message personally signed by Akin-Benson also lauded  Governor Akeredolu’s outstanding achievements as a professional lawyer and administrator par excellence.

No fewer than 53 graduands of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo state, made First Class out of a total 5,145 graduating sets of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 academic sessions.

The 53 First Class students would be among the 5,145 graduating students from various departments of the University, to be awarded Bachelor’s Degrees at the forthcoming 10th and 11th convocation ceremonies of the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige who  disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the activities lined up for the combined convocation ceremonies for 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 academic sessions, also revealed that of the total 5,145 graduands, 1,511 earned Second Class (Upper Division), 2861 bagged Second Class (Lower Division), 667 had Third Class, while 40, are in the Pass category.

The VC was joined by principal officers and other Senior staff of the university. Prof Ige said the convocation ceremonies which started on Friday, December 3, with Jumat Service, would be rounded off this Saturday, December 11. 

The Convocation lecture, titled, “Nature of State, National Ideology and Modelling of Higher Education for Sustaining Development”, will be delivered  on Thursday December 9, by a world-class professor and current President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professors Francis Egbokhare, from the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, University of Ibadan.

” On Friday, we shall confer First Degree on graduands in Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Institute Education and Institute of Part-Time Programmes. The grand-finale comes up on Saturday,   December 11 when we shall confer First Degrees on graduands in the Facilities of Agriculture, Arts, Law and Science. There will also be conferment of Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas; Honorary Degree; and Presentation of Prizes”, he added.

A former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and business magnet, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika will also be conferred with Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

The VC also added that there are 356 graduands receiving postgraduate degrees, 25 of whom are in the Ph.D. category, the highest in the history of the University, saying he is  committed to the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the University.

Prof Ige encouraged the well-to-do individuals and corporate organisations to join in the developmental project, just as he called on the alumni of the institution to continue to work and bring more development to the University.

He added, “Because we have improved on our presence on the Web, especially in terms of the quality of our academic programmes and research, AAUA has been rated the Best State University in Nigeria in last three years consecutively in the annual Webometrics Ranking. Of course, there  is no el-dorado in this for us as we are in a hurry to be the best in Nigeria and take a prominent position globally”.

Speaking on the researchand development activities in the institution, the VC noted that  apart from the Centre for Infectious Diseases Control and Drugs Development which is at the forefront of human capacity development through workshop and training programmes, the University has consistently been conducting training on Application of Bioinformatics Tools in Drug Design, Discovery and Development, among others.

 “Several academic staff have stepped up their games in research as some of them recently won grants that will enable them to proffer solutions to societal problems.
“As a corollary of our research efforts, just recently an assemblage of researchers at AAUA was reported to have reached an advanced stage in producing disease and drought-resistant beans and tomatoes, while another group of researchers is on the verge of producing a potent anti-termite solution from a common local plant.

“We have deliberately reinvigorated our Centre for Entrepreneurship Development. The Centre is now more focused on the practical aspect of entrepreneurship. Our students and interested members of the public are being trained on production of various domestic needs, including shoe and belt making, fabrics sewing, nylon and soap production and pastry production.

“The University has not abandoned its promises to support students through the Students’ Support Centre, which administers and oversees scholarships and financial aid to a variety of students, including gifted, indigent, and physically challenged students.

“Under the terms of the agreement, the University will cover half of the school expenses for all physically challenged students, while the best students in each Department with a CGPA in the first-class range will get a scholarship at the end of the academic year.

“Indigent students who are unable to pay their school fees can get a loan for around a third of their expenses. The institution’s Governing Council members made a donation of about five million naira to cater for the students in this category.

“We have also recently reintroduced and engaged students for our Student Work-Study Scheme. The programme permits willing students to work for two hours each day on campus while studying and be paid at the conclusion of each semester. Yet, we have encouraged our students to hone their skills in all ramifications, especially in the areas of innovation, sports, entertainment and artistic performances.

“We are happy that our efforts are yielding good results. Just two months ago, the University Football team, known as the AAUA Luminaries, finished first runners-up nationally in the maiden Higher Institutions Football League. There were also individual wins for our students, including Best Goalkeeper Award and Best Goal of the Competition Award.

“Just recently, Oluwadamilola Akintewe, a female student in the Faculty of Law, was named among the top 10 finalists for the Cheggord Global Student Prize, 2021: a $100,000 award to be given to one exceptional student that has made a real impact on learning and the society.

“The latest innovation by some of our students is the invention of a robotic dog, which is the first of its kind in the entire country. These kind of lofty feats have earned Adekunle Ajasin University the rating of Primus Inter Pares among her peers in Nigeria.

“Today, the University is among the top 10 in Nigeria and one of the best 45 in Africa. It is our desire to bring all students to campus as over 90 per cent of them live off campus. Thus, we have reviewed our Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) policy and made it flexible for individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropists to come build student hostels on our campus.