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Protest: GOCOP Condemns Attacks on Journalists, Says Act Undemocratic
Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has condemned, in very strong terms, the serial attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, describing the act as undemocratic and repressive.
GOCOP noted that journalists are partners in national development as well as critical stakeholders in the advancement of democracy and civil liberties and therefore deserve to be protected, and not suppressed as the security agents tried to do during the protest.
The body of online publishers specifically called on relevant authorities in Nigeria, especially security agencies, to see journalists as partners and voices of the voiceless rather than treat them as meddlesome interlopers and enemies of the people.
Citing growing harassment of journalists including the denial of their fundamental right to life in the course of discharging their duties, GOCOP appealed to Nigerian security agencies to ensure the safety of all journalists especially during protests, riots and elections.
GOCOP said the media has the capacity to support peace and reconciliation processes among political actors, between leaders and their followers and among the various ethnic nationalities in the country, hence should be allowed to play its constitutional role.
Aggregating statistics from various media reports, GOCOP said over 30 journalists had been attacked across the country during the protest which commenced on August 1.
Media houses which have had their staffers attacked with their tools (phones and cameras either seized or destroyed) include Premium Times, Daily Independent, Punch, TVC News, Guardian, Pointer newspaper, among others.
GOCOP acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but cautions that on no account should any protest go beyond the bounds of peace and turn violent thereby creating opportunity for looters and hoodlums to hijack what was intended to be a peaceful show of anger against bad governance.
While GOCOP condemned the violence that attended the protests in some parts of the country, it urges the security agencies to investigate, arrest and prosecute those found culpable in visiting mayhem and destruction on the nation and the citizenry.
GOCOP also strongly condemned the subversive actions of some disgruntled Nigerians in cahoots with foreigners who during the protest sewed, distributed and flew Russian flags in some states and called for unconstitutional change of government.
GOCOP sees such act as not only subversive but a direct affront on the sovereignty of the nation.
It called on the Federal Government to ensure the diligent prosecution of those involved in such act that impugns the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.
GOCOP appealed to President Bola Tinubu who for most part of his life championed the cause of democracy and independence of the media to prevail on the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to stop forthwith any form of harassment, intimidation, attack and arrest of journalists legitimately discharging their constitutionally assigned duties.
Media suppression does not only project Nigeria in bad light, it portrays the Tinubu government as a dictatorship in a democracy.
GOCOP urged journalists to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties by operating within the ambit of professionalism, fairness and factuality.
News
Omniverse Africa Unveils Partners as Nigerian Gamers Compete for $1m Prize
Omniverse Africa has disclosed that UEL Esports Inc., Unanimous Games and Game Evolution Esports will be premier partners for the Gaming Center at Omniverse 2025.
![Omniverse Africa Unveils Partners as Nigerian Gamers Compete for $1m Prize](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/charles-300x133.jpg)
Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa
This significant partnership will play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional gaming experience, highlighting Omniverse Africa’s dedication to innovation and excellence within the digital and creative ecosystems.
UEL Esports Inc., renowned for its one of a kind, multi genre gaming league, cutting-edge advancement and visionary contributions, will be integral in shaping the Gaming Center, promising an immersive and dynamic environment for all attendees.
Additionally, Game Evolution will serve as the gaming ecosystem and delivery partner for the center, ensuring top-tier experiences and seamless execution.
In a major highlight of this collaboration, an exhilarating gaming tournament will be featured at the Gaming Center.
This tournament, expected to be a central attraction of Omniverse 2025, will offer participants the chance to compete for a staggering prize pool of up to $1 million.
Nigerian gamers will have the opportunity to vie for these substantial rewards and gain invaluable experiences that could propel their gaming careers to new heights.
Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with UEL Esports Inc., and Game Evolution towards the Omniverse 2025. This collaboration aligns with our vision to create a transformative and engaging gaming environment. We are excited to witness the innovation and talent that will unfold through this partnership.”
Hannatu Musa-Musawa, minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, stated, “Omniverse Africa has taken a bold step to position Nigeria as a global leader in gaming by launching this major league with partners from Nigeria and USA. The Ministry stands behind this vision, and we look forward to fostering partnerships that will strengthen our creative economy and provide new opportunities for our youth,”
Briant Biggs, CEO of Unanimous Games, USA, added, “This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower gamers globally. Omniverse 2025 is the perfect platform for this mission.”
Titus Walker, CEO of UEL Esports Inc., also stated that’ “Becoming the premier partner for the Gaming Center at Omniverse 2025 is a remarkable opportunity for UEL Esports Inc. We look forward to showcasing our latest innovations and contributing to an exceptional event that will set new standards in the global gaming industry.”
Kunmi Adebimpe, founder of Game Evolution Esports, commented: “As the gaming ecosystem and delivery partner for the Omniverse Africa Gaming Center, Game Evolution is committed to bringing unparalleled experiences to the forefront. We are excited to collaborate with Omniverse Africa, UEL Esports Inc. and Unanimous Games to elevate the gaming experience and provide a platform for gamers to shine, globally.”
Omniverse Africa, Africa’s premium platform for integrating digital and creative ecosystems across the continent, will host its annual summit in Lagos, Nigeria, in February.
The synergy between UEL Esports Inc., Omniverse Africa, Unanimous Games and Game Evolution promises to make Omniverse 2025 an extraordinary event, celebrating talent and innovation in the gaming world.
Stay tuned for more updates on the tournament and how to participate, collaborate, compete or partner. The Omniverse Africa Summit 2025 promises a thrilling experience for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
News
EverQuest Acquires FBNQuest
FBN Holdings Plc has announced the sale of its 100 per cent equity stake in FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to EverQuest Acquisition LLP.
A statement filed with the Nigeria Exchange Limited by the Acting Company Secretary for FBN Holdings, Adeware Arogundade on Friday stated that the move comes after a competitive bidding process, with EverQuest Acquisition LLP a consortium comprising Custodian Investments Plc, Aion Investments, and Evercorp Industries emerging as the preferred bidder.
FBNQuest is the unified brand identity for the merchant banking and asset management businesses of FBN Holdings.
EverQuest Acquisition LLP is a consortium of three companies, including Custodian Investments PLC, Aion Investments Limited, and Evercorp Industries, founded in June 2024.
“By the Nigerian Exchange Limited Rulebook, we at this moment notify the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that FBN Holdings Plc has entered into a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement to divest its 100 per cent equity stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited. This sale aligns with the company’s strategy to optimise its portfolio within the group.
“Following a competitive bid process, EverQuest Acquisition LLP (comprising Custodian Investments PLC, Aion Investments and Evercorp Industries) was selected as the preferred bidder. The completion of the sale is subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities,” the holding firm added.
The company disclosed the development through a share sale and purchase agreement, highlighting that the transaction was subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.
FBN Holdings emphasised that the divestment aligned with its broader strategy to streamline its portfolio for enhanced growth and focus across the group.
FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s gross earnings for 2023 rose by 43.1 per cent year-on-year to N35.5bn.
News
US Blocks Nigerian’s Cryptocurrency Fraud, Imposes $50,000 fine
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office successfully thwarted an attempt by Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, a Nigerian national, to defraud a Kansas resident of cryptocurrency.
This was revealed in a statement titled, “State of Kansas, U.S., Thwarts Attempt by Nigerian Crypto Scammer to Defraud Resident, Attracting Over $50,000 in Civil Penalties.”
BitKE, known for reporting on Bitcoin, crypto, and blockchain activity in Africa, disclosed the news on Monday via its X handle #BitcoinKE.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Akinyemi promised the victim a large return for investing in cryptocurrency. Court documents show that Akinyemi entered into a contract with the unnamed victim on 15 July 2023, where the victim was to purchase Bitcoin and deposit it into Akinyemi’s ‘investment wallet address,’ with an expected return of $500 to $1,240.
Akinyemi exploited the victim’s lack of understanding of cryptocurrencies, misleading them by concealing the traceability of fund transfers and falsely claiming that depositing funds into a digital wallet would ‘activate’ it as an investment account. After receiving the deposits, Akinyemi transferred the funds to his own account.
A fraudulent $1,000 cheque was then sent to the victim, which was never cashed. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office stated that the victim is entitled to a refund of their $250 investment, and Akinyemi is responsible for $50,000 in civil penalties for five violations, $4,000 in investigation fees and expenses, and all court costs.
The Charities and Financial Scams Unit of the Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Akinyemi under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
Authorities seized Akinyemi’s wallet, which reportedly contained half of a Bitcoin valued at over $28,900, as well as other digital currency worth more than $4,000.
A local judge issued a default judgment against Akinyemi after they failed to respond to the summons and petitions sent to their email address. In addition to the financial penalties, Akinyemi has been prohibited from engaging in consumer transactions within the state.
“Cryptocurrency is a borderless asset that allows international scammers to target and defraud Kansans from the comfort of a keyboard,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathanial Castillo.
“Scammers realise they have a better chance of getting away with fraud if they convince victims to send cryptocurrency. Kansans should always thoroughly scrutinise anyone they meet online before sending payment in cryptocurrency.”
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the FBI were also part of the investigations.
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