
The Federal Government has called on journalists and social media influencers to refrain from providing publicity to bandits and terrorists. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Reorientation, made this appeal at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano. He emphasized the media's crucial role in denying violent extremists the attention they seek, while also promoting unity and hope. Idris noted that while the digital revolution has transformed communication, it has also led to an increase in fake news and disinformation, which can threaten national unity. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, stated that the summit aimed to enhance dialogue between the government, citizens, and the media through accountability, responsibility, and ethical communication. He advised social media influencers to use their platforms responsibly, verify information, and avoid divisive content, especially in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Abdulaziz also mentioned the training of over 100 APC social media communicators on effective government policy communication and the unveiling of the Gani Ya Kori initiative to highlight overlooked projects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Northern governors. Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who declared the summit open, encouraged other states to adopt his Special Reporters Initiative to improve government communication.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Federal Government on Monday requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to remand Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, for allegedly failing to meet the conditions of his N200 million bail. Lead prosecutor Akinlolu Kehinde SAN argued that Sowore had not satisfied the bail conditions, including producing a traditional ruler and a surety with FCT landed property, and depositing his international passport. Kehinde urged Justice Mohammed Umar to order Sowore's remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Sowore's counsel, Olumide Fusika SAN, countered that bail is to secure attendance, not to punish, and stated that verification of bail documents was nearly complete. He attributed a delay in depositing the passport to a public holiday at the US Embassy in Lagos and assured the court that all conditions would be met. Justice Umar declined the prosecution's application, allowing Sowore to remain with his counsel. Sowore then began his defense, with Abuja-based lawyer Deji Adeyanju testifying that President Bola Tinubu had previously stated Nigerians have the right to criticize and insult him as part of democratic freedoms. Video recordings of President Tinubu's remarks were admitted as evidence. The case was adjourned until July 13 for continuation.
Must ReadFormer Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff stated that some states now receive federal allocations in two to three months that are equivalent to what Borno State received during his entire eight-year tenure, attributing this increase to President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 economic reforms. Sheriff, who governed Borno from 2003 to 2011, made these comments on Channels Television while defending the President's economic policies. He noted that Borno received approximately N150 billion in federal allocations over eight years, whereas some states now receive up to N55 billion monthly. Sheriff argued that Tinubu's removal of the fuel subsidy significantly boosted revenue available for distribution to states through the Federation Account Allocation Committee, preventing a fiscal crisis. He contended that the President deserves commendation for his economic management. Regarding insecurity, Sheriff emphasized that addressing security challenges is a shared responsibility, not solely that of the Federal Government, highlighting the constitutional roles of state governments in this area.

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has reached a 644 million monthly audience on YouTube Music, positioning him as the top-ranked artist among the platform's current top five Nigerian acts. He has 6.41 million subscribers, surpassing Asake 2.06 million subscribers, 11.6 million monthly audience, Wizkid 3.67 million subscribers, 24.2 million monthly audience, Seyi Vibez 500,000 subscribers, 3.28 million monthly audience, and Davido 5.04 million subscribers, 25.4 million monthly audience. Other artists in the top 10 include Omah Lay, BNXN, Young Jonn, Rema, and Odumodublvck. This achievement follows Burna Boy's record as the African artist with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify, reaching 46.84 million, driven by his collaboration with Shakira on "Dai Dai," the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.