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‘Online News Writers Association’ Inaugurates, Promises Reporting with Global Best Practices
The Online News Writers Association (ONWA) on Sunday, July 31, 2022 had its formal launching ceremony with members pledging a self-regulated, credible, reliable and fair reportage.
Hosted at an upscale hotel in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, the event brought together like minds in the online publishing business who have served in different capacities at credible news outlets in Nigeria.
In her opening remarks, the President of the ONWA, Mrs. Omobola Oguntayo, noted that with the increase in internet penetration in Nigeria, resulting in upsurge of online publishing, ONWA will strive to follow the best practices of balancing free expression with the ethos of journalism.
ONWA, she stated, represents a high standard of online publishing principles that reflect the traditional journalism values which separate cheap blackmail, harassment and false communication.
While encouraging members to adhere strictly to goals behind the formation and significance of ONWA, Oguntayo stated; “I am hopeful that this historic step is going to mark and signify our emergence as a formidable team of professionals among the existing crops.
We have resolved to be birthed and we are now moving to the point where we will put this Association into useful practice not only for self-benefit but for the larger society most particularly the journalism industry that we strive to represent. By this, we are reaffirming our commitment to innovate, to lead and to improve the world around us.”
In his address, Mr. Tade Asifat, the General Secretary of ONWA noted that the idea behind ONWA, conceived long before its inauguration, was to set a unique mark in news reporting as well as celebrating excellence. “We all need to double our efforts by ensuring we nurture ONWA to greatness. We can’t afford to fail.
The industry generally is now crowded with gatecrashers, those that don’t have any business with pen and paper. That is why there’s a need for us to step up the game as professionals by creating a line of demarcation with a view to separating men from boys.
Just as it’s spelt out in the aims and objectives of the association, it’s imperative of us to improve the standards of journalism practice, especially the online aspect, across the country and beyond by majoring on fact findings with high level discipline and ethos expected of the profession,” Asifat submits.
Mr. Tunde Ogunmola, the Public Relations Officer, pointed out the need by members to constantly apply the core objectives of the association, by striving to improve the standard of journalism practice by being factual with their reports as well as writing stories that promote national interest without bias.”
The President, Oguntayo, however, assured stakeholders that the group will showcase an online publishing ecosystem with global best practices as it reels out its policies, procedures and protocols in due course.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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