News
Birthday: Congress of African Journalists, NUJ rejoice with Mathew Tonlagha

By Our Reporter.
The President, Congress of African Journalist, Dr Christopher Isiguzo MFR and immediate Past Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist, and Nigeria Union of Journalist , National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi has jointly extended a special birthday tribute and Heartfelt Birthday Tribute” to a selfless , distinguished business man , philantrophist, Engr Mathew Tolangha on his birthday anniversary.
The bodies in a statement tagged “A Special Birthday Tribute and Heartfelt Birthday Tribute” issued on Monday stated that on behalf of the Executive council and membership of the body , it extended a heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman , Chief Executive , Nation Engineering Limited, Executive Director , Fenog Nigeria Limited, Engr Mathew Tolangha.
Comrade Alhassan maintained that the body is celebrating an accomplished entrepreneur, a man whose generosity has impacted on journalism profession, community and beyond , adding that his supports to the profession, advancement and immense contributions to the society had placed you differently to the admiration of all who know you .
Describing the friendship with the media as symbolic, real , tangible and transformative , standing by them both in their needs, through provision of material and moral supports when it matters most.
They further described him as an invaluable ally in the fight for press freedom , impacting on our members to carry out their statutory functions, stating that his selfless contributions and courage had enabled professionals perform excellently.
With this years commemoration of your birthday, he prayed that Almighty God continues to shower you with blessings of good health , strength and prosperity, Comrade Alhassan stated.
He prayed for greater impacts on his benefactors, generosity and robust leadership.
He wished on behalf of the NUJ family, Congress of African Journalist, felicitate with Engr Mathew Tolangha on the current milestone, while wishing him many more in joy and fulfillment, stating that he will continue to fulfill his heart desires.
The statement further reads..
“Engr. Matthew Tonlagha,
Executive Director, FENOG Nig. Limited and
Chairman/Chief Executive,
Nation Engineering Limited”
“A Special Birthday Tribute”
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), I am truly honored to extend my heartfelt birthday wishes to a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, and a cherished friend of the media.
“Today, we celebrate not only an accomplished entrepreneur but a man whose generosity and vision have significantly impacted the journalism community in Nigeria and beyond.
Your support for journalists, your commitment to the advancement of our profession, and your immense contribution to the betterment of society have earned you the respect and admiration of all who know you.”
“Your friendship to the media is not just symbolic; it is real, tangible, and transformative. You have stood by journalists in their times of need, providing both moral and material support when it mattered most. You have been an invaluable ally in the fight for press freedom, empowering our members to carry out their work with dignity and courage. Your selfless contributions continue to inspire us all.”
“As you celebrate this special day, I pray that the Almighty continues to shower you with blessings of good health, strength, and prosperity. May you continue to make an even greater impact on those fortunate enough to benefit from your wisdom, generosity, and leadership.”
“On behalf of the entire NUJ family, I congratulate you on this milestone and wish you many more years of success, joy, and fulfillment.”
“Happy Birthday, and may the future bring you all that your heart desires.”
Yours sincerely,
Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi
National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Meanwhile, the immediate past President, Nigeria Union of Journalist and President, Congress of Africa Journalists, Dr Christopher Isiguzo MFR said with immense contributions and deep admiration, he extended his birthday wishes to an enigma whose impacts transcends boundaries of business , friendship and philanthropy.
While describing him as a brilliant business man with vision and countless times touched many individuals especially those in the media .
He lauded the extraordinary supports to the media industry and beyond , adding that it is transformative, protect and champion truth , integrity and justice .
He further states…
February 8, 2025
Engr Matthew Tonlagha,
Executive Director, FENOG Nig Limited and
Chairman/Chief Executive,
Nation Engineering Limited
A Heartfelt Birthday Tribute
“On behalf of the Congress of African Journalists and as the immediate past President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, it is with immense pleasure and deep admiration that I extend my warmest birthday wishes to a man whose impact transcends the boundaries of business, friendship, and philanthropy.”
“Today, we celebrate not just a brilliant businessman and visionary, but a man who has touched the lives of countless individuals, especially those in the media. Your support for journalists in Nigeria and beyond has been nothing short of transformative. Your generosity, both in spirit and action, has been a cornerstone for many in our profession, helping to elevate the voices of those who champion truth, integrity, and justice.”
“Engr, you are not just a friend of the media; you are a beacon of hope and an embodiment of compassion and leadership. Your enduring commitment to our cause, to the well-being of journalists, and to the growth of the profession has left an indelible mark on all of us. You have shown us that success is not just about personal achievement but about lifting others along the way.”
“On this special day, as you add another blessed year to your life, I pray that the good Lord continues to guide you, bless you with good health, vitality, and strength, and makes your star shine ever brighter. May you continue to thrive in all your endeavors, and may your generous heart find fulfillment in the knowledge that your legacy is one of kindness, support, and commitment to bettering the lives of others.”
“Your journey is an inspiration, and it is an honor to celebrate you today. Here’s to many more years of success, joy, and fulfillment. Happy Birthday, and congratulations on all the incredible accomplishments you’ve achieved and continue to achieve!”
Warm regards,
Dr. Christopher Isiguzo MFR
President, Congress of African Journalists
Immediate Past President, Nigeria Union of Journalists
Politics
Female Politicians Saw Me As Threat, Not A Partner – Okutete

By Abubakar Yunusa
The Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Dr Stella Okotete, has said that female politicians in Nigeria often viewed her as a threat rather than a partner.
Speaking as a keynote speaker at the Junior Chambers International Business meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerating Action Towards Gender Inclusivity”, Okotete reflected on the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.
A former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okotete said, “With due respect, the female politicians didn’t want me around them. They saw me as a young woman who was a threat, not as a partner. My ideas were seen as too bold and too daring, and as a result, I was never given opportunities when nominations were being made.”
She explained that when she was appointed APC’s National Women Leader at the age of 36, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap for young women in politics, enabling them to aspire for greatness, showcase their worth, and gain visibility in governance and the public space.
“I initiated the Progressive Young Women’s Forum, which today boasts of having a former minister. Jamila was our president,” she said.
Okotete recounted how her experience in politics led her to create a support system for young women.
“I founded the Young Progressive Forum because, as a young politician, I noticed that, with due respect, female politicians didn’t want me around them. When I was made the National Women Leader, I had to create this platform so that other women would not face the discrimination I faced—from women, not men.”
She became emotional while addressing the audience, saying, “I’m saying this with a heavy heart because I never saw any woman as a threat, and I still don’t today. That is why, when I said there are no two Stellas in Nigeria, I meant it.
“We must stop the ‘table talks’ and tea parties and start taking real action. If we truly want to see more women in government, business, and the economy, we must support each other.”
Okotete warned that women risk being sidelined by men if they do not create spaces for one another to thrive.
“The men will continue to push us aside if we give them the opportunity. While we often blame men, we, as women, must also make it a priority to support each other. Whenever we have the chance, we must ensure other women are given visibility and opportunities.
“History has shown that when women try to block or dim the light of other women, they don’t go far. They are quickly forgotten, and history does not remember them.”
She urged women to take responsibility for fostering inclusivity, saying, “We are here today, not just as members of JCI, but as individuals chosen by fate to be among the few who will shape Nigeria’s future. We must break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and push for policies that drive development and growth in our nation.”
‘Men must be allies in the fight for gender equality’
Okotete stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.
“We must challenge social and cultural norms together. We must also strengthen legal protections and policies, ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights, including those against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.
“We must hold institutions accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies. That is why I always try to strike a balance between getting men to work with us and encouraging women to take action for themselves.”
She called on women to foster a culture of mutual support, saying, “We must lead the crusade for gender equality and inclusivity by loving and supporting one another. We must see other women in our workplaces not as competitors, but as sisters and partners.
“When we join forces, we can achieve great things.”
She highlighted the progress made by young women in politics, noting that there are now female commissioners in 20 states, as well as young female legislators in state assemblies and councillors in several APC-governed states.
“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she concluded.
News
Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.
Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.
In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.
The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.
Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:
“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.
She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.
Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”
National
IWD: FG Calls For Gender-Responsive Policies To Close Economic Gap

By Abubakar Yunusa
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa has called on governments to implement gender-responsive policies and ensure equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, saying such measures could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025.
Speaking at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Business Meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Munasawa, represented by Khadija Ali, a presidential aide on industry, stressed that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal and economic imperative.
“Studies show that closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025. To achieve this, we must all play our part,” she said.
“Governments must implement gender-responsive policies, businesses must commit to diversity and inclusion, and civil society must challenge cultural norms that limit women’s potential.”
Munasawa highlighted the role of creative industries in advancing gender equality, saying she had witnessed first-hand how art, culture, and tourism could empower women and drive inclusive economic growth.
However, she acknowledged that systemic barriers continued to hinder women’s full participation in various spheres of life.
“Africa is a continent of resilience and promise, and Nigerian women are at the heart of our national progress,” she said.
“Yet, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Nigeria 124th out of 146 countries, with a gender gap closure rate of just 62.5%. This represents millions of women being denied access to opportunities that could unlock their full potential.”
She called for a shift from gender-neutral policies to intentional strategies that actively level the playing field, as well as greater representation of women in cultural narratives.
“The media and entertainment industries must challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diverse, empowering representations of women,” she said.
“When women see themselves in leadership roles, they are inspired to pursue their own ambitions fearlessly.”
In her keynote address, Dr Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), underscored the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.
“We must challenge social and cultural norms together,” she said.
“We must also strengthen legal protections, ensuring the enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.”
Okotete urged institutions to be held accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies while calling on women to support one another.
“We must lead the crusade for gender equality by loving and supporting one another. Women in workplaces should see each other as sisters and partners, not competitors,” she said.
She also highlighted progress made by young women in Nigerian politics, noting that female commissioners were now serving in 20 states, alongside young female legislators and councillors in several All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed states.
“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she said.
JCI Aso’s 2025 local president, Ambassador Felix Akinyemi, said the event served as a reminder of the remarkable progress women had made across various fields, including science, technology, business, and leadership.
“While we recognise the incredible progress made towards empowering women, we also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead,” he said.
He noted that the event featured a dynamic panel session with inspiring women driving positive change in their communities and a keynote speech aimed at accelerating action towards gender inclusivity.
“At JCI Aso, we believe that empowering women is essential to empowering our community. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.