News
Ibadan Explosion: Media Forum Wants Tinubu’s urgent intervention, appeals to philanthropists
Joel Ajayi
A Forum of Oyo State Media Practitioners in Abuja (FOMPA) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to quickly direct urgent intervention into the unfortunate explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state, where lives and property worth billions of Naira were destroyed.
In a statement Signed by the Interim Coordinator Forum of Oyo State Media Practitioners in Abuja, Bode Olagoke on Wednesday in Abuja, the Forum, in a condolence message to the families of those who lost their lives, also commended Governor Seyi Makinde-led State Government for his prompt intervention in the disaster.
According to the State Government, 77 persons were injured, 2 died while several property were destroyed.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja, the media practitioners of Oyo State extraction, expressed concerns about the well-being of their fellow Oyo indigenes and residents and appealed to philanthropists accross the country to come to their aid by ameliorating the untold hardship such wanton destruction would bring on the victims.
The statement reads: “As a Forum and the voice of our people in Oyo State, we hereby condemn the unwholesome action of the few which caused the dastard explosion in Bodija area of Ibadan which affected the lives and property of our peace-loving people in Oyo State.
“We seize this medium to sincerely express our condolences to the families of the affected persons and we pray for quick recovery of the injured ones.
“We also commend the quick intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde. The Governor’s visit to the scene is encouraging and his promise to pay the medical bills of the injured is also commended.
“We, however, using this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show concern, direct urgent intervention and help the victims to rebuild their lives because the core function of a government is the security and well-being of the people.
“We also appeal to philanthropists across Nigeria and beyond to come to the aid of our people to reduce the burden and hardship this explosion could bring on our peace-loving people in Oyo State.”
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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