“The future of Nigeria’s information and creative economy cannot be discussed without RATTAWU. You are the bridge between government and the people, the custodians of our cultural memory, and the amplifiers of the Nigerian story,” he said. He further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, labour unions, media professionals, and stakeholders in the creative industry. According to him, such synergy is essential to promote responsible communication while safeguarding Nigerians’ constitutional rights to lawful expression and constructive criticism. Describing RATTAWU as a vital institution in Nigeria’s media and cultural landscape, the Minister commended the union’s leadership under Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu for sustaining its vision, unity, and legacy over the years. He also assured the union that its requests and appeals had been received with understanding, adding that the government would continue to explore meaningful ways to support institutions contributing positively to the growth of the media and cultural sectors. Dignitaries present at the event included the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; and the Executive Director of Development SPECS Academy, Professor Okey Okechukwu, mni, alongside other senior government officials, media executives, labour leaders, and key stakeholders in the media and creative industry.

Samuel Ajose Withdraws from Lagos APC Guber Race, Backs Obafemi Hamzat Samuel Ajose, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has withdrawn from the 2027 race and endorsed Obafemi Hamzat, the state’s deputy governor and the party’s consensus candidate. Speaking to supporters on Tuesday, Ajose described the decision as difficult but necessary for party unity and the overall interest of Lagos residents. “I know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but by morning, I had my peace,” he said. He added that his focus is on collective progress and revealed plans to join Hamzat’s campaign team in a key capacity. “In the interest of the party, I have decided to step down. I will support Dr Hamzat, and we will take up an important role in his campaign,” Ajose stated. Ajose’s withdrawal follows a similar move by Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat after President Bola Tinubu and Lagos APC leaders threw their weight behind the deputy governor. Speaking to supporters on Tuesday, Ajose described the decision as difficult but necessary for party unity and the overall interest of Lagos residents. “I know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but by morning, I had my peace,” he said. He added that his focus is on collective progress and revealed plans to join Hamzat’s campaign team in a key capacity. “In the interest of the party, I have decided to step down. I will support Dr Hamzat, and we will take up an important role in his campaign,” Ajose stated. Ajose’s withdrawal follows a similar move by Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat after President Bola Tinubu and Lagos APC leaders threw their weight behind the deputy governor.

A prosecution witness in the trial of former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has told a federal high court in Abuja that the national security adviser (NSA) confirmed the authenticity of a conversation referenced by the defendant during a television interview. Testifying before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday, the witness said el-Rufai had, during a 43-minute interview, claimed that a private conversation involving the NSA was intercepted and forwarded to him. According to the witness, investigators later questioned the NSA, who verbally confirmed that the conversation took place between him and the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The ICPC chairman also reportedly confirmed the exchange after excerpts of the interview were played to him. The court heard that the television anchor, Charles Aniagolu; activist-lawyer, Deji Adeyanju; and the cameraman, Ugochukwu Agalayana, were all interviewed during the investigation. Aniagolu confirmed that el-Rufai stated in the interview that the NSA’s conversation had been intercepted and passed to him. The former governor also defended such interception, arguing that governments routinely monitor communications. Statements from Aniagolu and Adeyanju were admitted as exhibits, alongside Agalayana’s statement, in which he confirmed setting up the recording equipment but said he did not follow the discussion. The prosecution witness described el-Rufai’s remarks as an “open confession” and said investigators concluded that the alleged act could undermine national security, recommending prosecution. A preliminary report was also admitted in evidence. Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that investigators did not examine any of the NSA’s devices, obtain IP data, or conduct forensic analysis related to the alleged interception. He said such steps were deemed unnecessary after the NSA confirmed the conversation. He also acknowledged that el-Rufai did not claim he personally intercepted the communication but maintained that the former governor repeatedly insisted it had been tapped and sent to him. When asked if el-Rufai might have exaggerated during a politically charged interview, the witness said he considered him “a person of integrity” and believed his statements. The court adjourned further hearing to June 22 and 23.