President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio are amongst dignitaries to grace the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The event, with the theme: ‘Redefining Media Practice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.’ is scheduled to come on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Other dignitaries expected at the event are governors of Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Imo, Kano, Imo, Gombe, Borno states, Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, former governor of Kogi State, Yahya Bello and President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo.

A statement signed by Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, Chairman, Organising Committee, and made available to INFO DAILY, said Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is expected to be the Keynote Speaker.

READ ALSO: NUJ @70: Planning Committee Headed By Deputy President Inaugurated

Oyetunde, who is also the Deputy National President of the NUJ, added that national officers of the Union, past NUJ presidents and secretaries, members of the Central Working Committee and NEC, and leaders of NAWOJ, have been penned down for honour for their contributions to the union.

The Organising Chairman said, the occasion will not only honour its historic journey but also confront the pressing realities shaping modern journalism.

“This is a celebration of the NUJ’s 70 years of unwavering commitment to protecting media freedom, advancing professionalism, and defending democracy.

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“But it is also a time to reflect deeply on the disruptive changes in media practice, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation,” Oyetunde stated.

According to her, major highlight of the celebration will be the unveiling of a commemorative book titled “70 Years of the NUJ: From Struggle to Strength,” authored by former NUJ National Secretary, Mr. Shuabu Lehman, who has devoted over three decades to the Union.”

She added: “The NUJ @70 celebration underscores the union’s pivotal role in safeguarding press freedom, holding power accountable, and navigating the complexities of a fast-evolving media ecosystem. It promises to be a defining gathering of stakeholders shaping the future of journalism in Nigeria.”

Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has assured of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration’s desire to reduce crime and criminality in the state while also upholding the rule of law.

According to a press statement by Friday Aghedo, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Idahosa gave the assurance when he played host to members of the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Benin on Tuesday.

During the interface with the body of lawyers, also referred to as “Lion Bar,” the deputy governor solicited their collaboration to help rid the state of violent crimes.

“Indeed, the state we met was plagued with security challenges such as kidnapping, cultism and its related issues, and other vices for which the governor needed to take decisive action to address these menaces which plagued society.

READ ALSO:Police Quiz Pastor Paul Adefarasin Over ‘Gun-like Object’ Video

“To the glory of God and with your support, we have done reasonably well at reducing crime in Edo State,” he stated.

He informed the lawyers that their collaboration with the administration would assist at stamping out crimes and criminality and boost investors confidence in the state.

Idahosa also promised the government support to the lawyers in whatever capacity to assist in carrying out their functions efficiently.

Speaking earlier, the Benin NBA branch, Idemudia Osifo, congratulated and commended Governor Okpebholo, his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on their inauguration and efforts at eradicating security challenges in the state.

READ ALSO: Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

He said the NBA maintained cordiality with the seat of power in order to form a solid partnership geared towards the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He further commended the Okpebholo-led administration for appointing members of the Bar to key positions of his government.

Speaking on the rule of law, Osifo said that the Bar believed that the administration would deliver, especially against the background of swearing in the three judges denied the same action by the immediate past administration

“That singular action showed the willingness of this administration to reposition Edo State in terms of Justice delivery and the rule of law,” he stated.

He expressed the willingness of the Benin Branch of the NBA to support the government to fight crime and criminality

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Pastor Paul Adefarasin, founder of the House on the Rock Church, has turned himself in for questioning over a viral video that appeared to show him holding a gun-like object during a roadside encounter.

The Command, in a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, stated, “No one is above the law!

“Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case since a video surfaced online showing the pastor holding a gun-like object against another road user, while driving in an unregistered vehicle.

READ ALSO: Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Arrest Wanted Man, Others In Ogun

“The outcome of the investigation will be made public.”

The video, which surfaced earlier, shows Adefarasin holding a metallic object while speaking to a passerby who appeared to be recording him.

The clip has since gone viral, with several social media users alleging that the object was a firearm.

Responding to the allegations, Adefarasin in a message to his congregation posted on his verified social media pages, he denied brandishing a weapon.

He described the incident as a misunderstanding.

According to the cleric, the object in question was not a firearm, and at no point was it pointed at anyone.