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Frank Aigbogun a seasoned journalist and co- founder of BusinessDay newspaper where he has been publisher since 2001. He commenced his journalism journey at the Guardian. Progressing to Vanguard at which he ascended to the role of editor for all newspaper’s titles. Frank’s career includes a tenure as the Lagos correspondent for the Associated Press (AP).

Frank first studied Mass Communication and is the immediate past president of the Lagos Business School’s alumni association. Mr. Aigbogun was a member of the vision 2010 committee, assigned by the government to formulate a long-term economic vision for Nigeria. Notably, he served as the alternate rapporteur for the sub-committee on competition and deregulation.

Tayo Fagbule is the Editor of BusinessDay, Nigeria’s leading business daily newspaper. He has over a decade of experience working in the media industry. Before his appointment as editor in January 2021, he was editorial board chairman and deputy editor. Prior to his career in journalism he was the MBA director at Lagos Business School, a role he combined with teaching anthropology and analysis of business problems on the fulltime MBA programme. He is a graduate of economics from the University of Lagos with an MBA from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.

Mrs. Ijeoma Ude serves as the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at BusinessDay, Nigeria’s foremost business daily newspaper, boasting an impressive career spanning over two decades in the media industry. Throughout her tenure at BusinessDay Media Limited, Ijeoma has demonstrated her capabilities across diverse media platforms—online, mobile, and print. Academically, Ijeoma holds a degree in Law from the University of Bradford, UK, complemented by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chichester, UK. She also holds a degree in Business Management from Metropolitan School of Business Management, UK. She is an alumnus of the esteemed Lagos Business School and a proud member of the Advertising Practitioner Council of Nigeria (APCON).

Ms Ime Enang is the Executive Director at BusinessDay Media Foundation - BD Centre for Social and Economic Development and leverages about 18+ years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and strategic communication to design and manage projects that foster trade facilitation, regulatory reform and consumer protection in Nigeria and beyond.

She has a reputation for being an innovative thinker, an adept problem solver and a relationship manager, with a track record for tackling complex, high-value issues and having difficult conversations. I also enjoy training and coaching young people in emotional intelligence, public speaking and planning conferences and events on front burner topics.

Sanni Ojireshe Mary is currently the Manager, Systems & Controls at BusinessDay. She is an experienced Audit Senior/ Accountant with over a decade experience in External & Internal Audit, Tax & Risks Advisory services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Benin and also a member of both the Institutes of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria & Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Adedayo Adetoye is currently the Finance Manager of BusinessDay Media Ltd, He is an accounting Graduate and also a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He has over 14 years experience working has a Finance professional. He is also an Alumni of the Lagos Business School Senior Management Program(SMP)

Ifeoma Williams is the Head, Human Resources at BusinessDay Media Ltd, Nigeria’s foremost business daily newspaper. Before her human resources journey Ifeoma worked as a finance officer. She began her HR journey in 2015 and has since been certified by professional bodies such as CIPM and is SHRM in-view with 6 years of experience. She worked in help to set upthe workforce, work culture and general operations for a foreign airline for 3 years before returning to the country.

Linda Ochugbua a seasoned marketing and sales professional with over 13 years of experience, began her career at Ryden Oil and Gas in 2008. She earned a First-class honors MSC degree in Management from the University of Surrey and holds an Entrepreneurship certificate from Harvard Business School. Linda, an ERAC Ltd team lead alumna, played a pivotal role in BusinessDay Media Limited’s strategic digital transformation, enhancing revenue streams since joining in 2012. A respected panel speaker at global conferences, she engages in various media ventures, including an IGLive series, a weekly podcast, and a forthcoming show called “Linda’s Nuggets,” focusing on books, life issues, and business tips.

Queen Nkwocha a graduate of University of Nigeria (UNN) for my BSc in Banking & Finance. I have attended trainings in Lagos Business School (SMP 75 Program) Texem, Philip Consulting and Others. My Key responsibility is overseeing Advert Department, which entails making sure Clients both old and new prospects advertise in BusinessDay Print and also to cross sell across other departments.

Ololade Akinmurele a seasoned journalist and Deputy Editor at BusinessDay, holds a crucial position shaping the publication’s editorial direction. With extensive experience in business reporting and editing, he ensures high-quality journalism. A University of Lagos and King’s College alumnus, Akinmurele is a Bloomberg-award winner, backed by professional certifications from prominent firms like CitiBank, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and the International Monetary Fund.

Adenike Alao is a driven communications professional and market research expert with extensive experience in brand management for companies like Guinness Nigeria, Tropika South Africa, Mckinsey, Spotify, and Travelstart. Proven success in contributing to established brands and diverse industries, showcasing a multi-dimensional approach to business development. Demonstrates a passion for innovation, contributing to the launch of a Swedish music streaming company in African markets and providing market research services for an Indian agriculture company entering the Nigerian market. At Octo5 Real Estate, led communication and branding efforts to address the housing deficit in Nigeria.

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PUNCH wins NMMA Newspaper, Editor of the Year, clinches nine others

Your darling newspaper, The PUNCH , again won the Newspaper of the Year Award at the Nigeria Media Merit Award on Sunday.

At the 31st edition of the NMMA, which held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, The PUNCH Editor, Mr Adedayo Oketola, also emerged as the Editor of The Year.

The PUNCH , Nigeria’s most widely read newspaper, beat The Nation, The Guardian and Daily Trust to the\xa0 Babatunde Jose Prize for Newspaper of the Year.

Similarly, The PUNCH Editor,\xa0 Oketola, edged out the Editor of Daily Trust, Hamza Idris, and Nigeria Tribune’s Editor, Debo Abdullahi, to win the Dele Giwa Prize for Editor of the Year.

Olumhense Sonala of The PUNCH won the Alade Odunewu Prize for Columnist of the Year, ahead of Eze Onyekpere and Azuka Onwuka also of The PUNCH .

The Lifestyle Editor, PUNCH weekend titles, Tofarati Ige, won the Olu Aboderin Prize for Entertainment Reporter of the Year.

Ogheneovo Egodo-Michael, also of the PUNCH weekend titles Lifestyle Desk, emerged as the only runner-up in the category.

Fatteh Hamid of PUNCH’s weekend titles, clinched the Gani Fawehinmi Prize for Human Rights Reporter of the Year, defeating The Nation’s Innocent Duru.

Similarly, Janet Ogundepo of PUNCH Healthwise desk claimed the Adamu Mu’Azu Prize for Tourism Reporter of the Year.

Ogundepo, who had nominations in seven categories, beat Tech Cabal’s Olaoluwa Joseph and Daily Trust’s Ujorha Tadaferua to the tourism prize.

Ex-News Editor, PUNCH weekend titles, Tunde Ajaja, won the Nigerite Prize for Real Estate/Construction.

Also, Segun Odunayo of The PUNCH won the Aviation Industry Reporter of the Year, defeating Wole Shadare of New Telegraph .

A former National Youth Service Corps member with The PUNCH , Olamide Famuwagun, won the Abubakar Imam Prize for Newspaper Features Writer of the Year, beating Collins Nweze and Moses Emorinken of The Nation .

Deji Lambo of The PUNCH won the Rufkatu Danjuma Prize for Public Health Reporter, beating The PUNCH colleague, Ogundepo, and Duru Innocent of The Nation.

The Buba Marwa Prize for Defence Reporter of the Year was won by The Nation’s Innocent Duru, who beat Lukman Abolade of The PUNCH , and Precious Igbonwelundu of The Nation.

Shola O’Neil won the NAFCON Prize for Environment Reporter beating Ogundepo of The PUNCH and Ujorha Tadaferua of Daily Trust.

The PUNCH ’s Nnodim Okechukwu was also a runner-up in the\xa0 Bukola Saraki Prize for Agriculture Reporter of the Year, which was won by Emmanuel Oladesu of The Nation . The other runner-up was Atainyang Joseph of Watchman Post.

The PUNCH ’s Janet Ogundepo lost the\xa0 Olagunsoye Oyinlola Prize for Culture & Tradition Reporter of the Year to Justina Asishana of The Nation. The other runners-up were Lami Sadiq of Daily Trust and Gboyega Alana of The Nation .

Kingsley Jeremiah of The Guardian won Conoil Prize for Energy Correspondent of the Year, beating Opeoluwa Akintayo of The PUNCH , Lucas Olumuyiwa of The Nation , and Ladelokun Ladesope of New Telegraph.

The IGI Prize for Insurance Reporter of the Year was won by Iremeka Chijoke, a journalist with The PUNCH , for a story he did while at The Guardian . An Assistant Desk Editor of The PUNCH , Adenike Popoola, and Rosemary Iwunze of Vanguard were runners-up.

Access Bank Prize for Capital Market Reporter of the Year was won by Collins Nweze of The Nation . The PUNCH journalist, Uthman Salami, and Helen Oji of The Guardian were runners-up.

The Coca-Cola Prize for Brand and Marketing Reporter was won by Yusuf Ibrahim of The Nation . Ogundepo of The PUNCH and Gbenga Salau of The Guardian were runners-up.

Chevron Nigeria Prize for Oil and Gas Reporter of the Year was won by Jeremiah Kingsley of The Guardian , as he beat Opeoluwa Akintayo of The PUNCH .

MTN Prize for Telecommunications Reporter of the Year was won by Ajanaku Olusanya. Solomon Odeniyi of The PUNCH and Adepetu Olalekana of The Guardian were runners-up.

Duru Innocent of The Nation won the Etisalat Prize for Most Innovative Reporter of the Year. Egodo-Michael and Godfrey George of The PUNCH were runners-up.

The Nation reporter, Gabriel Ogunjobi won the Alex Ibru Prize for Investigative Reporter of the Year. Damilola Olufemi and Janet Ogundepo of The PUNCH were runners-up.

Meanwhile, Damilola Olufemi of The PUNCH last week emerged winner of the Judicial Reporting Award at the 32nd Diamond Awards for Media Excellence.

The PUNCH and the Editor, Oketola, also emerged runners-up in the Newspaper of the Year and Editor of the Year categories, respectively, at DAME.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Media Merits Award, Dr. Ayo Duyile, acknowledged all honourees and nominees while commending journalists and editors for their works.

Duyile stated that the NMMA had 11 categories when it started, but has now risen to 51.

He added that the award had 25 screening committee members led by Mr. Dele Adetiba.

He also added that no nominee got less than 70 per cent before being considered for the prize, and encouraged everyone to continue giving their best.

He said, “The cash prize and the material gifts are just to encourage and celebrate with your people as it is not enough to reward your entries which are greater than the materials. We however thank our sponsors who have done this to encourage you. This will enable you to buckle your belts.”

The head of the 25-man screening panel, Adetiba, said, “The criteria for the award include language, originality, depth, accuracy perspective.”

• Thursday, 16th May, 2024
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Tinubu Inaugurates 3 Gas Projects, Pledges to Wean Nigeria from Overdependence on Petrol, Diesel 5 hours ago

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Inflation soars to 33.69% amid higher food, energy, commodity prices, thisday reorganises editorial board, appoints adio, jega contributing editors.

•Nwabuiku, Kakanda, Adamolekun, others join

Immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr Waziri Adio and former Editor of Daily Trust, Mr Mahmud Jega have joined ARISE and THISDAY as contributing editors. They will also serve as members of the Editorial Board that now includes Mr Paul Nwabuiku, Mr Sonny Aragba-Akpore, Ms Yemi Adamolekun, Mr Gimba Kakanda and Ms Aisha Shuaibu.

Meanwhile, Dr Chidi Amuta and Dr Okey Ikechukwu remain members of the Editorial Board chaired by Olusegun Adeniyi.

In a statement signed by THISDAY Managing Director, Mr Eniola Bello, rejuvenating the Editorial Board is an ongoing process that will bring onboard respected professionals with requisite experience and exposure in different fields. “The new members, with fresh ideas and energy, are to bring robust engagements to discussions of the Board on issues that would shape the 2023 elections,” Bello said.

WAZIRI ADIO

Prior to his assignment at NEITI, Adio had held senior positions in different organizations, ranging from editor and columnist at THISDAY Newspapers, special adviser to the senate president, communication specialist at UNDP etc. Adio obtained his first degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University and another Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University, where he was, at different times, a Fellow of the Neiman Foundation for Journalism and an Edward S. Mason Fellow in public policy and management. He is also a Fellow of the fifth class of the Africa Leadership Initiative-West Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

MAHMUD JEGA

Following his stint as a lecturer in Biological Sciences at his alma mater, the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Jega has practiced journalism non-stop for more than three decades. For a total 13 years, he was Managing Editor, Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Chairman of Daily Trust Newspapers. Prior to that, Jega was Editor, New Nigerian Newspapers, Editor of The Sentinel magazine, Kaduna and Assistant Editor, Citizen magazine.

PAUL NWABUIKU

A pioneer THISDAY Editorial Board member, Paul Nwabuiku, who has also served on The Guardian’s Editorial Board, is a respected public intellectual with decades of experience in journalism, advertising and public communication. A winner of the DAME Awards for Informed Commentary, Nwabuiku served twice as Special Adviser to former Finance Minister and current DG, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and played a key role in communicating the Obasanjo reforms as well as the economic initiatives of the Jonathan years. Nwabuiku holds a fist degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and MBA from the University of Jos.

SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

Sonny Aragba-Akpore has a cognate practice in the media spanning more than three decades. In July 2010, he was appointed Assistant General Manager/Head, Corporate Communications at the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd with a mandate to turn around the media fortunes of this government agency after a failed satellite in the orbit. Following his success on that assignment, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) invited Sonny to rejig the media profile of the telecommunications regulator. In November 2014, he became the NCC Assistant Director/Head, Media & Public Relations, a position he held until retirement in July 2020. Sonny attended the University of Lagos and holds B.A and M.A. in English. He is also a member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

YEMI ADAMOLEKUN

Currently the Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a non-partisan network of individuals and organizations committed to building a culture of good governance & public accountability in the country, Adamolekun has a 23-year diverse career spanning the public and private sectors. She started her working career in the United States as a management consultant in Navigant Consulting, before moving back to Nigeria to work at Alder Consulting. In 2018, she was named as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), endorsed by the United Nations in the Humanitarian & Religious category. In 2019, Adamolekun joined the Africa Program of the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) in the US as a non-resident Senior Associate.Adamolekun has a first degree in Mathematics & Economics from the University of Virginia; an MSc in Development Studies from The London School of Economics (LSE) and an MBA from Oxford University’s Said Business School.

GIMBA KAKANDA

Founder of DMC, an Abuja-based communication and strategy consulting firm, Gimba Kakanda is a notable public affairs analyst, media and foreign policy consultant and author. He is a regular contributor for Aljazeera and several Nigerian publications, including Daily Trust. Kakanda holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE) and is an alumnus of the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program. With a huge following on social media, Kakanda is a notable voice in the inter-generational conversations in the Nigerian polity.

AISHA SHUAIBU

A business consultant with a decade of experience in brand and strategic management, Ms Aisha Shuaibu is Managing Director of Waffle Way in Abuja, and President of SWA Sports, an initiative that is promoting local talents in kickboxing, wrestling, and Taekwondo. Ms Shuaibu obtained her B Sc in Business Studies from the University of Bedfordshire, Luton in the United Kingdom and her Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Bahcesehir University, Istanbul

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Founded on January 22, 1995, THISDAY is published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD., 35 Creek Road Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria with offices in 36 states of Nigeria , the Federal Capital Territory and around the world. It is Nigeria’s most authoritative news media available on all platforms for the political, business, professional and diplomatic elite and broader middle classes while serving as the meeting point of new ideas, culture and technology for the aspirationals and millennials. The newspaper is a public trust dedicated to the pursuit of truth and reason covering a range of issues from breaking news to politics, business, the markets, the arts, sports and community to the crossroads of people and society.

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Nigerian journalist’s arrest last week triggers criticism of worsening press freedoms

This undated photo made available by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism shows Daniel Ojukwu in Lagos, Nigeria. The Nigerian journalist’s arrest last week has triggered criticism of worsening press freedoms in the West African country. Daniel Ojukwu with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism went missing Wednesday May 1, 2024, in the economic hub of Lagos. His family and employer found out on Friday that he was detained and held in a police station for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, (Foundation for Investigative Journalism via AP)

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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A Nigerian journalist’s arrest last week has triggered criticism of worsening press freedoms in the West African country.

Daniel Ojukwu with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism went missing last Wednesday in the economic hub of Lagos. His family and employer found out on Friday that he was detained and held in a police station for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, often criticized as a tool for censorship.

The arrest of Ojukwu, who was later transferred to the Nigerian capital of Abuja, follows his report about alleged financial mismanagement of over 147 million naira ($104,600) involving a senior government official, according to his employer, the foundation.

Nigeria is ranked 112th out of 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. It is known for the country’s tough environment for journalists who face frequent abductions, arrests and prosecution, usually after reporting on chronic corruption and bad governance plaguing the oil-rich country.

At least 25 journalists have been prosecuted under the country’s Cybercrime Act since it was introduced in 2015, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. They include eight detained under President Bola Tinubu whose government, in power since May last year , touts itself as one encouraging press freedoms — a claim it repeated last week during World Press Freedom Day events.

The Cybercrime Act was amended this year to remove some harsh provisions but the police still use it to “silence journalists and critics,” Amnesty International’s Nigeria office said.

Nigeria’s law requires a suspect to be charged or released within 48 hours following arrest. Ojukwu, however, was not allowed any means of communication or access to a lawyer until his third day in custody, said Oke Ridwan, a human rights lawyer who met with the journalist at the police station where he was held.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi told The Associated Press that he is making efforts to resolve the case and is “on top of the issue.” Local and international civil society groups have condemned the detention.

It is a “symptom of a larger problem within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, and their relationship with politically exposed persons undermining democratic principles,” a coalition of at least 30 civil society groups known as the Action Group on Protection of Civic Actors said in a statement on Monday.

“The Nigerian Police Force has veered off course from its duty to uphold law and order to become an oppressive tool in stifling dissent and independent journalism,” it added.

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Nigeria has detained a journalist who reported on corruption in a widening crackdown

Emmanuel Akinwotu

Daniel Ojukwu is an investigative journalist in Nigeria. Foundation for Investigative Journalism hide caption

Daniel Ojukwu is an investigative journalist in Nigeria.

LAGOS, Nigeria — An investigative journalist in Nigeria has been arrested by police and held without charge for over a week, leading to growing fears for his safety. His case has also ignited criticism from media and advocacy groups on the worsening climate for independent journalism in Africa's most populous country.

Police arrested 26-year-old Daniel Ojukwu on May 1 in Lagos. He was reported missing the following day by his colleagues at Nigeria's Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), after friends and family were unable to reach him by phone. FIJ hired private investigators who found his last location before he was arrested, leading journalists to demand answers from Nigerian police.

Police only confirmed his detention on Sunday, days after moving him to the capital, Abuja, where he has been accused of violating the Cybercrime Act, a controversial law that gives the Nigerian government broad powers to regulate perceived online offenses. It has been criticized by Amnesty International as a means of punishing journalists and undermining the right to freedom of speech.

The detention follows investigative reporting by Ojukwu and colleagues revealing corruption implicating senior Nigerian officials. A presidency official, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was tasked with achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, allegedly ordered the transfer of more than $106,000 of government funds to a restaurant in the capital, according to Ojukwu's reporting. The funds had been budgeted for the creation of a school building and learning center but, according to Ojukwu's report , the facilities were never created. Orelope-Adefulire has not responded to the allegations.

Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of FIJ, described Ojuwku's arrest — two days before the May 3 World Press Freedom Day — as an "abduction." "I use this word very carefully because they never invited him to address concerns about the story in question. Instead, they tracked him, picked him and held him," he said.

As of Wednesday, a week after he was taken, Nigerian police had not interrogated Ojukwu on the story he produced, or questioned him for any alleged crime, Soyombo said, adding that FIJ made contact with Ojukwu on Sunday by phone. "All they have done is dump him in a cell." Police did not respond to NPR's requests for comment.

Ojukwu's arrest was a further sign of the "horrible" climate for independent journalism in Nigeria.

"If a journalist can be abducted because of that story, I think anyone in doubt can see clearly that Nigeria currently runs a pretend democracy," Soyombo said.

Soyombo is also being investigated by police for reporting in February that revealed alleged collusion between senior Nigerian police, customs officials and smugglers, in the movement of arms and food items across Nigeria's border with Benin. A member of FIJ's board was then questioned by Nigerian police in April, the organization said.

On Wednesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a statement urging authorities in Nigeria to "immediately release journalist Daniel Ojukwu and stop intimidating and arresting members of the press who investigate the government's spending of public funds."

"The Nigerian police's investigation into such a reputable media outlet demonstrates the alarming extent to which they are willing to go to silence journalists seeking to expose crime," said Angela Quintal, head of CPJ's Africa program.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, elects Bola Tinubu as the new president

Ojukwu's case is the latest in a growing number of arrests of journalists over the last year under President Bola Tinubu's government. Last month, another journalist, Segun Olatunji, was arrested and detained for two weeks by the Nigerian military, following a report revealing alleged corruption by the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. He was released last week without charge and told local media he had been stripped, blindfolded and detained by officers.

Various media groups in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, released a joint statement urging the government to stop using "repressive tactics." Nigeria is one of West Africa's most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, who are regularly monitored, attacked and arbitrarily arrested, according to Reporters Without Borders , which ranked Nigeria 112th out of 180 countries for press freedom.

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JUST-IN: 12 Days After, Military Releases Detained Newspaper Editor

Segun Olatunji

Editor of FirstNews Online Newspaper, Segun Olatunji, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in custody.

Gunmen in military uniform had invaded Olatunji’s residence at Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State, on March 15, 2024, and whisked him away.

While the journalist’s family did not receive any communication from his military, the management of the media platform linked the incident to a story published by FirstNews.

Concerns about his location continued until the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) said its checks showed the editor was in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who, in turn, reports to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris Musa.

Hours after the IPI made the disclosure, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told some editors that the military had confirmed that the editor was in their custody.

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Meanwhile, in a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday, IPI called on President Bola Tinubu to activate the powers of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to direct the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to produce Olatunji.

“IPI Nigeria has received inquiries about this matter from all over the world. The Institute has also contacted the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation seeking information on Mr Olatunji and demanding his release. All efforts in this direction have so far failed.

“That has triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military may be keeping some vital information away from the public concerning the journalist’s safety.

“IPI is therefore calling on President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian military authorities to immediately release Mr Olatunji or charge him to court if he has committed any offence. The international community should also pay attention to the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji by the Nigerian military,” said the statement signed by IPI President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Tobi Soniyi, its secretary.

Consequently, on Thursday morning, Olatunji was released to the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), according a message by the Secretary of the Guild, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

As at the time of his release, the DIA didn’t say what Olatunji’s offence was.

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US soldier held in Russia pleads guilty, RIA agency reports

Gordon Black, a U.S. soldier being held in the Russian city of Vladivostok, has pleaded guilty to theft charges and is cooperating with investigators, Russia's RIA state news agencies reported on Thursday.

Duchess Meghan Wore a Backless Gown Called the “Windsor” on Her First Day in Nigeria

We see you, Meg

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The couple visited a school to talk about mental health as part of the academy’s newest initiative. For the occasion, Meghan opted for a fresh, feminine look fit for a princess. The highlight of the ensemble was a beautiful strapless silk dress in a soft peach hue, from Heidi Merrick. The gown is called the “Windsor,” which is also the surname of the British royal family —including Harry and kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet . We see you, Meg!

The dress is cinched at the waist and features a high neck and a plunging opening in the back and sides. The skirt is flowy and slightly pleated—which can only mean the cottagecore trend now has the royal seal of approval.

The piece hails from Merrick’s 2018 collection and retails for $572.

Meghan accessorized her warm look with gold jewelry, including circular plate earrings, a choker, and her go-to bangles—including a Cartier Love bracelet—and watch, plus some rings. As for her glam, Meghan let her natural beauty shine in sun-kissed makeup and had her brown hair styled in a wavy updo, which she later released into a messy braid with loose strands framing her face. The duchess also wore a brown beaded necklace given to her by locals at the school.

While Meghan’s backless dress seems to be sold out at the moment, we’ve rounded up some similar styles to shop to achieve the duchess’s effortlessly elevated look:

Shona Joy La Lune Low-Back Halterneck Midi Dress in Antique Rose

Dress the Population Tess Tiered Satin Gown in Apricot

Galvan London Satin Pandora Dress in Blush

Mango Pleated Dress With Knot Detail in Orange

Rosa Sanchez is the senior news editor at Harper's Bazaar, working on news as it relates to entertainment, fashion, and culture. Previously, she was a news editor at ABC News and, prior to that, a managing editor of celebrity news at American Media. She has also written features for Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter, among other outlets. 

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Hitting the Road—Here’s Why

By Kase Wickman

It would appear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning on adding even more stamps to their passports in the name of helping others.

On the tail end of their recent three-day trip to Nigeria for engagements related to the Invictus Games and more, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke with People about their future plans. In short, the couple plans to continue to lend their efforts—and physical presence—to the causes important to them.

“There’s only so much one can do from home and over Zoom, so we look forward to traveling more because the work matters,” Harry said in the interview, published Wednesday. “Whether it’s the Archewell Foundation, Invictus, or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work.”

He added, “It is hugely important for us to meet directly with people, supporting our causes and listening in order to bring about solutions, support, and positive change.”

The couple certainly doesn’t have a wealth of leisure time as it is. In addition to being parents to two small children, 5-year-old Prince Archie and the nearly 3-year-old Princess Lilibet , the Sussexes are juggling their charitable Archewell Foundation, the military personnel-focused Invictus Games competition, which this year marks its 10th anniversary , multiple in-progress projects with Netflix , and, of course, Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand , which so far has manifested as cute jars of strawberry jam in the pantries of high-profile pals like Kris Jenner .

Meghan called the couple’s time in Nigeria “incredibly memorable and special.”

“That alone is the best souvenir to take with us: All the memories we’ve made,” she said.

The couple also visited military personnel to discuss mental health and well-being, in connection with the Invictus Games. Harry said that he saw “very low morale” amongst the men he visited at a military hospital there, with the exception of two who had been involved in Invictus.

"That experience of knowing what life post-injury is like gives people so much hope,” he said. “And hope, hope, hope is a huge part of this.”

“I’m so happy with the growth of Invictus and to include Nigeria,” he explained. “You know what Africa means to me over the years. It is a very, very special place, and to be able to include Nigeria now [in Invictus], I’m very happy.”

Meghan, too, discovered a special connection with Nigeria, thanks to an online DNA test revealing that she is 43 percent Nigerian. At a solo engagement Saturday, she told a crowd of women about the experience.

“Being African-American, part of it is really not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically," Meghan said, adding that she first reached out to her mother, Doria Ragland, when she got the test results. “It was exciting for both of us to discover more and understand what that really means.”

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Royal News Roundup: a Trip to Nigeria, a Royal Baby & a Tribute to Diana

Plus, meghan markle copies kate middleton's parenting move.

Here’s all the royal news you need to know for May 15, 2024. 

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Nigeria to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex entered full on-parenting mode when they attended a basketball exhibition training match at Ilupeju Grammar School in Lagos. They even copied Kate Middleton's go-to parenting move while chatting with a group of children. 
• Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg and her husband, Nicholas Bagory, have welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Victoire.

• Prince Harry and Markle attended a reception at the State Governor House in Lagos during their three-day trip to Nigeria. The Suits alum rocked a bright yellow maxi dress , which she previously wore while celebrating son Archie’s first birthday.

• During a visit to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Markle honored Princess Diana by wearing a diamond cross necklace that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law.
• In a newly resurfaced excerpt from his memoir, Spare , the Duke of Sussex revealed that Prince William and Princess Catherine were avid fans of Suits before he started dating Markle.
• King Charles shared a special message to active duty soldiers , veterans and their families as he stepped down as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps (a position the monarch has held for 32 years).

• King Charles reunited with his oldest son, Prince William , at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop to officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The royal family posted a striking photo of the monarch proudly standing next to his son in front of a helicopter. 
• Princess Anne attended an unveiling of the new Great Western Railway train (named in her honor) at the Paddington Station in London. The royal family shared a series of striking photos on Instagram that were taken during the ceremony.

• Queen Camilla attended the opening of the 50th Coronation Library at the Moreland Primary School in London. Instead of the leopard-print she’s been donning as of late, Her Majesty opted for a bright (and busy) blue peacock dress .
• Princess Catherine’s brother, James, shared a new post on the official James and Ella Instagram account, which is a pet supplies company he founded. He posted not one, but two striking photos of himself surrounded by pups.

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