🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
UNESCO condemns killing of Mexican journalist Josué Martínez Contreras
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Khaled El-Enany, the Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killing of Mexican journalist Josué Martínez Contreras and called for an investigation. Martínez Contreras, founder and director of Noticias San Martín Texmelucan, was shot dead on July 16, 2026, in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla State. El-Enany urged Mexican authorities to bring those responsible to justice, stating that impunity for crimes against journalists emboldens perpetrators. Reports indicate that Martínez Contreras had posted a video in November 2025, claiming his life was threatened due to his reporting on security, municipal administration, and public services. According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, Martínez Contreras was the sixth journalist killed in Mexico in 2026 and the third in July alone. UNESCO promotes journalist safety through global awareness campaigns, capacity building, and coordination of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadYinka Ogunbiyi, a Nigerian-American engineer and Harvard graduate, has developed HaloBraid, a braid-assist robot designed to reduce physical strain on hairstylists and save time for salons. The US Mission in Nigeria announced this development, noting that the innovation has secured $7 million in funding and attracted over 7,000 salons to its waitlist.
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called for increased private sector investment in military infrastructure, troop welfare, veterans' support, and national security. He made this appeal during a meeting with Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director and CEO of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative ASR Africa, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Shaibu emphasized that private sector partnerships are crucial for strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness, and accelerating national development. He commended Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, for his consistent support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria through corporate interventions. The Chief of Army Staff highlighted that investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, offer direct security and economic benefits by improving troop mobility, facilitating rapid deployment, enhancing logistics, stimulating economic activities, and denying criminal elements safe havens. He also stressed the strategic priority of caring for wounded soldiers and retired personnel, stating that quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems are essential for morale and combat effectiveness. Shaibu expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare and acknowledged ASR Africa's ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja, a project supporting the Niger
Chinedu Obika, a member of the House of Representatives representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, disclosed that he assisted a fellow lawmaker in paying a ₦700,000 school fee for his daughter two months ago. Obika shared this during an interview on KAA Truths, addressing public perception that National Assembly members are overpaid. He stated that this incident demonstrates not all lawmakers benefit from the "personal enrichment" often attributed to the National Assembly. Obika emphasized that members who remain silent in the House are not necessarily being paid off, but may have little to show for their positions. He also challenged Nigerians to seek specific information regarding lawmakers' entitlements, asserting that all such details are publicly available, rather than relying on unverified claims.