Broadcasting
HURIWA Condemns Benue Government over Closure of Joy FM
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State Government, calling it a brazen assault on press freedom and democracy.
The rights group described the armed invasion by security operatives as a clear case of state-sponsored thuggery and intimidation against the media, warning that such dictatorial actions could plunge Nigeria into a dangerous era of media suppression.
According to reports, a team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by Mr. Sunday Odagba, chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and Mr. Ikwue Ikwue of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1 pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.
Reacting to the incident, HURIWA stated that the use of armed policemen to shut down a media house under the guise of enforcing tax collection is not only excessive but also a violation of constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of the press.
The association expressed outrage that such an action could take place in a democratic setting and called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately order the reopening of the station while holding those responsible for the unlawful attack accountable.
“This is a disgraceful and unacceptable act of intimidation against a legitimate media organization.
“The invasion of Joy FM by armed policemen in a commando-style operation is a calculated attempt to silence the press and instill fear in journalists who dare to report freely. This is state-sponsored thuggery, and we will not tolerate it.
“The Benue State Government must explain why a tax enforcement exercise required the use of live ammunition, gun-wielding security operatives, and the physical assault of journalists,” HURIWA declared.
The rights group emphasized that no government has the authority to shut down a media house arbitrarily, especially without due process and adequate notice.
It noted that if Joy FM was owing any statutory levies, proper legal procedures should have been followed to address the matter, instead of resorting to armed intimidation.
“We are particularly disturbed by reports that the station was not even aware of any outstanding payments before this barbaric action.
“The claim that the station owed N150,000 for a business premises levy is laughable and only exposes the political motives behind this action.
“If indeed Joy FM had defaulted in any payment, was the only solution to storm the station with heavily armed policemen as if chasing terrorists?
“This is an outrageous abuse of power and must not be swept under the carpet,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA further called on the Nigeria Police to investigate the illegal use of its personnel in what appears to be a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the press.
It questioned how a state government was able to deploy a large number of armed operatives for a mere tax enforcement drive, warning that if this pattern is allowed to continue, no media organization in Nigeria will be safe from government persecution.
“This incident reflects the worsening state of press freedom in Nigeria. The police must explain how they allowed themselves to be used in such an oppressive manner.
“Nigeria is not a military dictatorship, yet journalists are now being forced to stop their broadcasts at gunpoint. If we do not resist this now, other state governments will copy this lawlessness and begin shutting down media houses that expose their failures,” HURIWA warned.
The association reiterated its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene immediately and ensure that Joy FM resumes operations without any further harassment.
It also urged media practitioners, civil society groups, and international human rights organizations to take a firm stand against this brazen attack on press freedom.
“If the government of Benue State does not reverse this unconstitutional act and reopen Joy FM immediately, HURIWA will mobilize civil society groups, legal experts, and concerned citizens to challenge this abuse in court.
“We will also petition international press freedom organizations to take up this case and expose the increasing clampdown on the media in Nigeria. The time to act is now,” the group declared.
HURIWA reminded the Benue State Government that a free press is the cornerstone of democracy and that attempts to gag the media will only strengthen public resistance.
The association vowed to continue monitoring developments surrounding this case and ensure that those behind this abuse of power are held accountable.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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