The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro, with the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity Award for his commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and business development.

Usoro received the award on Wednesday at the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigerian Media Space, held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The summit, organised by the Nigerian Press Council under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, brought together media practitioners, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, security agencies and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating misinformation and strengthening responsible journalism.

The award recognised Usoro’s contributions to corporate governance and responsible business practices, alongside other distinguished Nigerians honoured for their achievements in leadership, public service and professional excellence.

Speaking at the event, Usoro warned that fake news and misinformation had become serious threats to national security, democratic stability, business confidence and peaceful coexistence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

He expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to generate fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and produce misleading reports, noting that such developments had made it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from deliberate falsehoods.

According to him, the misuse of artificial intelligence for disinformation requires a coordinated response involving government institutions, media organisations, technology companies and citizens.

Usoro observed that misinformation had extended beyond political campaigns and electoral activities to become a tool for damaging reputations, undermining businesses and creating unnecessary tension in society.

“People use false information to de-market their political opponents, competitors’ products and services, as well as create tension in the polity,” he said.

He warned that the consequences could be far-reaching, including the erosion of public trust, the escalation of ethnic and religious tensions, and the manipulation of citizens’ democratic choices.

The Miden Systems chairman also raised concerns about the potential impact of deepfake technology and coordinated online disinformation campaigns on public confidence in political leaders and democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

On the business implications of misinformation, Usoro disclosed that Miden Systems Limited had experienced what he described as the damaging effects of false information.

He alleged that the company and its executives had been targeted following a financial dispute with a commercial bank, highlighting the potential consequences of misinformation for corporate reputation and business operations.

To address the challenge, Usoro urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, particularly sensational messages, photographs and videos circulated on social media platforms.

He recommended the use of independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, to establish the authenticity of reports before they are disseminated.

He also called for improved training for journalists and fact-checkers, as well as greater access to artificial intelligence-assisted verification tools to help identify and debunk false information more quickly.

Usoro further urged technology companies and relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen collaboration against malicious synthetic media.

He, however, stressed that efforts to combat misinformation must not undermine press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.

Speaking on the company’s operations, Usoro said Miden Systems Limited was established in 1997 and had evolved from providing safety and equipment maintenance services into a diversified business offering marine services, logistics, offshore and onshore facility upgrades, maintenance and management.

He said the company had expanded its operations to undertake major term contracts in the oil and gas industry, providing services to several organisations, including the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Renaissance Africa Energy Company, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG Limited, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Port Harcourt Refinery Company, Addax Petroleum and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

According to him, the company’s growth has been driven by its commitment to service delivery and the maintenance of long-standing relationships with clients.

Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Press Council for the recognition, Usoro said the award reflected the values underpinning the company’s operations.

He reaffirmed Miden Systems Limited’s commitment to ethical conduct, transparency and integrity in its business dealings both in Nigeria and internationally.

“We remain committed to ethical, honest and transparent business transactions at all levels of our operations,” he said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the summit was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem, promote responsible journalism and improve the capacity of media professionals to combat misinformation.

Ezughah said the initiative was particularly important as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, warning that fake news, propaganda and misinformation could undermine democratic processes if left unchecked.

He explained that the summit provided a platform for media practitioners, policymakers, lawmakers, corporate organisations, civil society groups, security agencies and development partners to examine the challenges posed by misinformation and develop practical solutions.

He added that the award ceremony was intended to recognise outstanding contributions to ethical journalism, media leadership, corporate governance and responsible business practices.

Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Intelligence, Musa Likita, described fake news and misinformation as serious threats to national security, democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.

Musa noted that the rapid spread of information through traditional media, digital platforms and social networks had expanded opportunities for public participation and accountability but had also created avenues for manipulating public opinion, inciting hostility and spreading falsehoods.

He warned that fabricated reports, manipulated photographs, deceptive audio recordings and misleading videos could trigger confusion, provoke violence and weaken public confidence in legitimate institutions.

The minister called on media organisations, government institutions and citizens to work together to curb the spread of false information.

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Haruna Suleiman, emphasised the importance of timely, accurate and transparent public communication in preventing speculation and countering false narratives.

Idris urged media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify information sources and promptly correct errors.

He also called on technology companies to address the misuse of their platforms, while advocating increased media and information literacy across schools, universities, communities and public institutions.

According to him, equipping citizens with the skills to question sensational claims, verify sources and recognise manipulated content would help build a more informed society.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to credible public communication, responsible information sharing and the promotion of an informed citizenry.

He urged participants to develop practical recommendations that would protect press freedom, strengthen professional standards and encourage cooperation in confronting misinformation.

Other recipients of awards at the summit included Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; and Dr. Yakubu Barde, Federal Commissioner for Salaries, Income and Wages, among others.

The summit ended with a call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, media organisations, businesses and citizens to promote credible information, safeguard reputations and strengthen public trust.

Participants stressed the need for collective action to address the growing threat of misinformation while protecting press freedom and professional standards as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, has applauded the Chinese Government’s expanded zero-tariff policy for African countries, describing it as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation and a major opportunity for export growth, industrialisation and job creation.
In a statement, Yakubu said China’s decision to extend its zero-tariff policy to 53 African countries, including Nigeria, demonstrates Beijing’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic development and strengthening South-South cooperation.
He noted that the policy offers Nigerian businesses unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and provides a platform for expanding exports, attracting investment and enhancing economic competitiveness.
“China’s zero-tariff initiative represents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to accelerate economic growth, strengthen domestic industries and deepen our economic cooperation with one of the world’s most important trading partners,” Yakubu said.
According to the lawmaker, early indicators suggest that the policy is already producing positive outcomes. He disclosed that Chinese imports from Nigeria rose significantly during the first half of 2026, while total trade volume between both countries reached approximately $18 billion, reflecting growing economic engagement.
Yakubu said the encouraging figures demonstrate the enormous potential of the Nigeria-China partnership and highlight the importance of improved market access in driving economic prosperity.
He stressed that Nigeria must seize the opportunity by expanding production capacity, improving product quality and strengthening export-oriented industries capable of competing in the international marketplace.
The committee chairman noted that Nigerian products such as liquefied propane, sesame seeds, nuts, hides and skins are already benefiting from improved access to the Chinese market. However, he emphasized that the country’s long-term objective should be to move beyond the export of raw materials and focus on value-added products.
“We must leverage this opportunity to promote domestic manufacturing, industrialisation and job creation. Increased market access should translate into stronger local industries and greater economic opportunities for Nigerians,” he stated.
Yakubu urged Nigerian manufacturers and exporters to take advantage of the tariff-free regime by improving standards, certification processes, packaging and supply chain efficiency in order to meet the demands of Chinese consumers.
He also called on relevant government agencies to strengthen the infrastructure and institutional support necessary to help local businesses compete effectively in international markets.
The lawmaker further encouraged Chinese investors to expand their presence in Nigeria through investments in manufacturing, agro-processing, technology development and logistics infrastructure.
According to him, increased Chinese investment would support industrial growth, facilitate technology transfer and create much-needed employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
While welcoming the growth in trade relations, Yakubu acknowledged the need to address the trade imbalance between Nigeria and China, stressing that efforts must be made to increase the country’s export capacity and diversify its export basket.
“Our goal should not merely be to trade more, but to trade better. Nigeria must become a producer and exporter of more finished and semi-finished goods if we are to fully benefit from our relationship with China,” he said.
Yakubu also expressed appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its RMB200 million grant to support Nigeria’s development projects, describing the gesture as further evidence of the strong friendship and cooperation between both nations.
He said the grant would contribute to efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening public services and advancing national development priorities.
The chairman commended China’s longstanding support for Nigeria through infrastructure cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building and other development initiatives, noting that such partnerships have contributed significantly to the country’s growth.
Looking ahead, Yakubu called for greater collaboration in key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, logistics and industrial development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening parliamentary engagement and promoting policies that will advance the mutual economic interests of Nigeria and China.
“As Nigeria and China continue to deepen their partnership, our focus must remain on translating opportunities into tangible economic benefits for our people. Together, we can build a relationship that is mutually beneficial, economically productive and supportive of sustainable development,” he added.
Yakubu concluded by expressing gratitude to the Chinese Government and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, for their continued friendship, support and commitment to Nigeria’s development aspirations.

THE FALLACIES OF MIKE IGINI

“It is mean and cowardly and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others.”_

• Chief Obafemi Awolowo, 28th April, 1951.

The attention of the Progressives Alliance for Justice, Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) has been drawn to the barrage of insults heaped by Mike Igini, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against every perceived and imaginary obstacle to his personal agenda.

We posit that since the return of democracy in 1999, the Nigerian political and electoral firmament has been overdosed with different genres of characters – the good, the bad and the ugly.

We state categorically and without fear of contradiction that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is NOT responsible for the non-appointment of Mike Igini as either Chairman of INEC or National Commissioner since he left office in disgrace and engulfed in controversies in the South-South.

Igini must understand that such appointments are not done willy-nilly. They are based on several criteria. He has served two full terms as Resident Electoral Commissioner. For him to be nominated as National Commissioner, a vacancy must exist for his state. This is apart from the principle of rotation of the position among states in the geo-political zone.

Those who know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu closely know he is a leader who does not deliberately shut the door against competence and capacity. Anyone holding him in contempt on this matter is either being mischievous or acting out the script of the opposition, just like the present issue at stake.

It is unfortunate that Igini has allowed himself to be taken advantage of, dancing to the rhythm of anti-Tinubu and anti-Amupitan rogue agents.

We find it compelling to state unequivocally that Igini is blatantly scheming to discredit the present government and the Amupitan-led leadership of INEC in anticipation of reward by opposition elements and spent forces, if they ever win in the post-2027 general elections.

Over the years, we have watched the transformation of Igini from lawyer, to public affairs commentator, to agitator, until the PDP government appointed him Resident Electoral Commissioner.

We are amused at Igini’s feeble attempts at returning to public reckoning, using barefaced criticism, outright lies, mischief and fallacies against the Renewed Hope and reformative agenda as a springboard to relevance and prominence.

For an egocentric, self-seeking bigot and Mr. Know-All like Igini, he wants to remain relevant as a bride for any juicy INEC Election Management Committee headship or membership, which we know will never happen in this dispensation as a result of his antecedents while in office – an era marred by allegations of partisanship, disloyalty and endless controversies.

Your tenure as REC in Cross River State was characterised by mudslinging between you and a political party over unethical conduct unbecoming of an electoral officer. Similarly, your flexing of muscles and one-sided narratives during your tenure as REC of Akwa Ibom State is still very fresh in our memory. Till date, you are still spewing negative narratives against one of the politicians you fought in that state to high heavens.

Nigerians from all strata continue to wonder where the monies for the live telecast of Igini’s exit as Resident Electoral Commissioner of Akwa Ibom State originated from. In the history of INEC – from Dr. Ephraim Akpata, Alhaji Shehu Musa, Dr. Abel Guobadia, the much-vilified Prof. Maurice Iwu, Prof. Attahiru Jega reputed to be Igini’s benefactor, to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu – none of them had the temerity for such lavish display and grandeur during their exit. What was witnessed in the last days of Igini as REC in Akwa Ibom evokes serious questions about collective decency, decorum, moral rectitude and values.

Any argument in support of such an extravagant exit lacks integrity, for the simple reason that the pay slip of INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners and even National Commissioners is not a hidden document. It is known to the Nigerian public.

We believe that if we are sincere in this country, Igini should focus on more important non-partisan issues than chasing shadows. Igini should also address his own record, including the troubling episode of a Kenyan national engaged by INEC as a consultant some years ago, where the voter register fingerprints of Nigerians were allegedly compromised and handed to foreign interests. That despicable act is still fresh in our memory.

As overwhelming majority of Nigerians with voting rights are aware, there is an uncanny lust for power by desperate opposition politicians lurking on the horizon. They are deploying everything on earth just to grab power in 2027, and for no just cause but simply for selfish personal aggrandizement. They have recruited former staff, Directors, Resident Electoral Commissioners and National Commissioners to help execute their warped agenda and barefaced propaganda to deceive gullible Nigerians who will swallow every hook, line and sinker narrative framed by them.

We unreservedly agree with many who have suggested that as a believer in God, Igini should not allow his mind to be poisoned by the notion that any power outside the influence of God could have been responsible for the failure of his emergence as either National Commissioner or Chairman of the Commission.

Whatever it is, there seems to be more to it than meets the eye. The process of creating anarchy starts with incitement against the government, the electoral empire and security agencies. It often appears so smooth as to be imperceptible, hence those who engineer it enjoy the process at the initial stage, only to be consumed at the end of the day.

Elements in the class of Igini, who are acting out the script of falsehood purveyors and peddlers, will be put to shame at the end of the day. There is no doubt that Nigerians are going to have a well-deserved, credible, transparent, free and fair election in the 2027 general elections.

Above all, nobody can dispute the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated people with impeccable ability, capacity, loyalty, patriotism and honesty as members of the election management structure that will drive our democracy forward, in a manner that both Nigerians and the international community will be proud of like never before in our annals.

The focus of the Tinubu administration remains its much stronger determination to protect and respect the sanctity and fidelity of the ballot during the forthcoming elections.

We implore Mike Igini to stop the rabble-rousing, negative framing, mischief, mudslinging and casting of aspersions against the electoral umpire and Mr. President, and find something reasonable to do to earn a living just like other Nigerians, instead of going from one radio station to television stations across the country. His antics are already known to Nigerians who are far more sophisticated and politically savvy than before.

A word is enough for the wise… “WHEN YOU CONDEMN PEOPLE, YOU BRING JUDGEMENT ON YOURSELF.”

Signed:Comrade Yakubu Dan Abba
Country Representative, PAJUD.