The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), have condemned the closure of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna, Niger State, by the state governor, Mohammed Bago. They described the governor’s action as a flagrant assault on press freedom, and a blatant abuse of power. The directive to shut down Badegi FM was announced on Friday, 1 August, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that Mr Bago had ordered the revocation of the station’s licence and the profiling of its owner. The building housing the station…
Author: Development Reporting
DUBAWA investigates Amazon Nature Clinic, a wellness centre run by a traditional birth attendant who claims to treat various health conditions using natural remedies. By Lademi Aborisade. “I have a friend that Indomie (noodles) was removed from his heart” was the attention-catching statement of Bose Adegeye, the owner of Amazon Nature Clinic, at the opening ceremony of the clinic. This comment was prominent in a viral five-minute video shared with DUBAWA sometime in July 2024. The video shows adult men and women listening to Ms Adegeye, who gives several health-related diagnoses and prescriptions. She owns a wellness clinic, which she…
Introduction A Turning Point for Africa’s Development is here, as the continent finds itself at a pivotal moment in its developmental journey. The world is undergoing profound changes, rising geopolitical tensions, weakening multilateral cooperation, and a sharp decline in foreign aid. For decades, aid has been a significant part of Africa’s development strategy, but as external assistance decreases, Africa is facing both challenges and opportunities. Can Africa still achieve sustainable growth without relying on foreign aid? The need for new growth models, rooted in domestic resource mobilization, innovation, and intra-African trade, is more urgent than ever. This article explores how…
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) today launches the CJID Openness Index, Nigeria’s first-ever subnational assessment of press freedom and civic space across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria, the pioneering index blends qualitative and quantitative research to provide a systematic evaluation of openness across the country. The assessment is anchored on two core indices: enablers – factors that promote press freedom and civic expression; and inhibitors – those that constrain them. Drawing on the insights of over 1,100 professionals, including journalists, editors, newsroom managers, and civil society actors; the Index…
Introduction In 1960, Nigeria stood at the dawn of independence with remarkable potential. It was Africa’s most populous country, rich in natural resources, home to a vibrant cultural tapestry, and strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea. By most economic and political estimates, Nigeria was poised to become one of the leading lights of the developing world. It had a GDP comparable to that of Malaysia, per capita income ahead of India, and was on par with countries like Indonesia, Brazil, and even South Korea in key economic indicators. Fast forward to 2024, and the story takes a different turn.…
Across four West African nations lies a century-old route from Nigeria to Côte d’Ivoire, crossed weekly by thousands in search of economic fortunes. Yoruba women from the Nigerian city of Ejigbo have turned this trail into a path for vast cultural exchange, heritage, and networking. Rakiya Muhammad, Bird Story Agency Every week, droves of Yoruba women from Nigeria journey through four countries to do business in the markets of Côte d’Ivoire. The 1,100-km road trip begins in the town of Ejigbo in southwestern Nigeria and takes them through Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and then finally, to the Ivorian capital of…
By Ajibola Amzat Two weeks ago, the founder of Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, CJID and publisher of PREMIUM TIMES newspaper, Dapo Olorunyomi, was at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, where he delivered a paper titled Nigerian Journalism Under the Digital and Democratic Crossfire. The title paints a picture of a perilous future for journalism enterprise already overwhelmed by relentless attacks from both technological and democratic forces. Though the lecture in general also highlights great potential and opportunities for the media, the title offers no glimpse of optimism from the start. Olorunyomi probably chose a shocking headline to get his…
Africa is building a new vaccine future through strategic investments, skilled workforce development, and local manufacturing. From Kenya to Rwanda, deals for new facilities and skills development promise to reduce reliance on foreign pharma supply chains. Bonface Orucho, Bird Story Agency At a warehouse in Kilifi, Kenya, in June 2024, Roseline Oliwa watched as 10 UNICEF trucks, each loaded with 1.6 million auto-disable syringes, pulled out, bound for Zambia. “I feel so proud of it,” Oliwa remarked in a 2024 interview with the Gates Foundation. That pride emanates from the success of local efforts. The syringes had been manufactured at…
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured candidates who sat for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) that their results will be released on or before Thursday, August 4. Coming amid social media rumours alleging a nationwide cancellation of the examination, the assurance of releasing results soon brings relief to about two million candidates across Nigeria awaiting their results for admission into tertiary institutions and other academic pursuits. Over 1.9 million candidates from 23,554 schools across Nigeria registered to sit the WASSCE, which held from 24 April to 20 June. WAEC debunks cancellation rumours In a statement…
As part of its commitment to advancing security sector reform through evidence-based research, strategic dialogue, and stakeholder engagement, Good Governance Africa-Nigeria (GGA-Nigeria) is set to host a critical hybrid panel event titled: “Reckoning with Resurgence: Rethinking Responses to ISWAP’s Evolving Threat.” The event, scheduled for 22 July, at BON Hotel Elvis, Abuja, will also mark the official launch of GGA-Nigeria’s latest research publication: “Unseen Advances, Quiet Offensives: ISWAP’s Strategic Resurgence and the Limits of Nigeria’s Military Response.” According to a statement by Dr. Ola Bello, Executive Director of GGA-Nigeria, the research draws attention to the growing influence of the Islamic…