Alaba & Olusosun Conundrum: Deadly human cost of primitive recycling by Remmy Nweke - WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

In this edition of WeekendDigits@ITREALMS, REMMY NWEKE exposes the devastating human and environmental toll of primitive e-waste recycling. From Alaba to Olusosun, discover how toxic fumes and lead poisoning threaten thousands of vulnerable, informal workers daily.

The informal e-waste trade across Nigeria may represent a highly lucrative commercial frontier for the shadowy syndicates of middlemen and scrap barons who coordinate its supply lines, but the operational methods deployed by its frontline workforce are extracting a catastrophic, often fatal human toll.

2026 Laity Week: Development without human dignity is hollow, says Nweke, CMO chairman - ITREALMS

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The 2026 Laity Week Celebration at St. Jude Catholic Church, Mafoluku, opened with a strong call for a paradigm shift in how Nigeria approaches national progress, reports ITREALMS.

In a keynote presentation, the Chairman of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, KSM, warned that any development effort failing to prioritize the human person is ultimately hollow.

Deepfakes: Next human vulnerability for businesses" Asks Ben Jacob - ITREALMS

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Synthetic audio and video generation technologies, known as deepfakes, have reached a critical threshold. Once mostly limited to social media entertainment or occasional political manipulation, they are now fully integrated tools in cyberattack tactics. This shift represents more than a technological evolution; it marks a transformation where human perception itself has become an attack surface. Recognizing a familiar voice or face is no longer a guarantee of authenticity.

In this context, businesses face a threat that relies less on raw technical skill and more on subtle manipulation of human behavior. Fraud campaigns now exploit cloned voices and manipulated videos to simulate authentic communications, deceiving even the most vigilant employees. 

AFRICMIL, Amnesty International to hold national conference on Whistleblowing, corruption and human rights - ITREALMS

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The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) and the Nigeria office of the global human rights group, Amnesty International, will hold a national conference on September 19, 2024, to explore the link between whistleblowing, corruption and human rights as well as take stock of the situation of whistleblowers in Nigeria.

The theme of the conference, which comes on the heels of increased attacks and violations of the rights of whistleblowers, is “Amplifying Whistleblowing to reduce Corruption and Protect Human Rights.”

PIN's 4th short film loading on human rights day, screens films @Web Summit - ITREALMS

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The Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN’s) fourth short film is set for release on 10th, December, 2023, in honour of this year’s Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), reports ITREALMS.

The movie is inspired by findings of the organisation’s annual Londa 2022 report which provides insight into the state of digital rights and inclusion across 24 African countries. Like preceding projects, the short film will provide exposure to some key aspects raised in the report, and sensitise the public on how the issues affect them and the need for advocacy.

May: Editorial independence & shaping future of human rights - ITREALMS

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The importance of shaping the future of human rights within the media, especially on editorial independence, cannot be over-emphasised in a digital era, writes ITREALMS ' REMMY NWEKE.

What about May?

Yes, what about May? It’s no longer news that the month of May globally is recognised yearly within the media space for the upholding of media freedom of expression and invariably, which left most followers this year with some great expectations both from the practitioners and society at large.

Freedom of the press or freedom of the media, has been posited as the fundamental principle that communication and expression through various media, including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, should be considered a right to be exercised freely.


Editorial independence and press freedom:
An instance is editorial independence which is the freedom of editors to make decisions without interference from the owners of a publication. According to Wikipedia, editorial independence is tested, for instance, when a newspaper runs articles that may be unpopular with its advertising clientele or critical of its ownership.

Experts at BusinessPerspective.org, posited an understanding that “еditorial independence” as full freedom of journals’ editors when making decisions on whether or not to publish, as well as make corrections in the papers or withdraw them; only based on their scientific value and without intervention of the founders and the publisher of journal or newsletter, the authors and their sponsors, any other institutions and persons.” Maintaining also that these institutions or persons cannot affect the timelines of papers’ publication.

With the above, shaping the future of rights, especially human rights have become a source of concern.

But just three days into the month of May, the World Press Freedom was held on Wednesday, of the fourth month of 2023, to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of press freedom principles issued by African newspaper journalists in 1991. The Declaration was a response to the oppressive media policies of the then Apartheid regime in South Africa.

After the initial Declaration of Windhoek, how has Africa and African media precisely fared?

Digital editor’s travails:
Recently a senior African media practitioner, identified as 'Lekan' narrated how a body of practitioners made a fuss over where an electioneering form dividend should go into.

According to Lekan, he was involved in organising a media-based professional electoral process and based on the constitutional requirement, it must be an online election to accommodate those who may not be immediately physically available, moreso in this digital era.

Being a member of a three-man Election Committee in the month of May, they decided to sale the forms to draw revenue for the association. Unknown to them, that was to create another chapter of albatross and the Executive Committee became interested in the potential revenue and began to interfere in the EC mandate instead of waiting for the Committee to execute their mandates and retire any inflow or even remains from their already approved budget.

Media ownership, political will & transparency:
Due to this pressure because of the token realizable from the form sales, Exco began to give counter orders against the direction of EC and Lekan ended up resigning from the EC to give peace a chance.

As if that was not enough, a few weeks later within the same month of May, Lekan, who used to edit and in fact pioneered an intercontinental newsletter suffered yet another executive interference due to some political interest of Exco of the intercontinental organisation whose newsletter he has pioneered in the past three years rather than allow Lekan a free hand to run the newsletter professionally.

For the newsletter, the leader of the intercontinental group had a member who was elected in a related global body and did not want that featured in the Newsletter due to opposition influence on him, despite that Lekan was the one who personally sourced the story and used same only to discover that the opposition at the "global body" were not happy and the overbearing leader wanted the story pulled down, while Lekan insisted that professionally, their politics in another association even though they were all members of the newsletter organisation should not be allowed to be a motivating factor, which assenting to such a request will spell doom.

To have his professional integrity intact, Lekan, once again decided to step aside.

As said by Lekan, he saw a lot of people especially professionals including in the media who visualise the best of things to happen to their world but don't have the political will to stand up for what they desire, either as an individual or for family sake, aside the political overbearing of media ownership upon the editorial leadership and politicization of editorial content or what some other folks observed as editorial weaponization.

Essence of freedom:
Generally, freedom is very essential as it offers us the right to be ourselves, which assists us to work together after maintaining autonomy. Freedom is quite significant as the opposite is detrimental to our own individual and collective well-being, which is inconsistent with human nature.

2023 theme and fulfillment of human rights:
This brings us to the theme of 2023, which is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.”

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This year, 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Yes, three decades have passed since it was proclaimed in 1993, in which we have seen substantial progress towards achieving a free press and freedom of expression around the world. The proliferation of independent media in many countries and the rise of digital technologies have enabled the free flow of information.

However, media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression are increasingly under attack, which impacts the fulfillment of other human rights.

Media Freedom:
Britannica defined media freedom as the freedom of various kinds of media and sources of communication to operate in political and civil society, hence, “Freedom of the media is the fundamental right of various forms of media, including print, radio, television, and online media entities to operate freely in society without government control, restriction, or censorship.

In other words, freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the fundamental principle and do the right things even in a socio-economic situation like professional elections transparently within the media space.

Proliferation of disinformation:
Though the international community faces multiple crises not limited to conflicts and violence, persistent socio-economic inequalities driving migration, environmental crises and challenges to the health and wellbeing of people all around the world. Overtly, disinformation and misinformation online and offline proliferate, with serious impact on the institutions underpinning democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Centre of discussion:
Therefore, it is to exactly counter these critical situations and threats that press freedom, safety of journalists and access to information have become the centre of discussion nowadays. The right to freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a prerequisite and a driver to the enjoyment of all other human rights.

This year’s special 30th anniversary celebration of World Press Freedom Day is, therefore, a call to recharge press freedom, as well as independent, pluralistic, and diverse media, as key to the enjoyment of all other human rights.

The internal workings of media environment depend on professional bodies to ensure entrenchment of what they preach. As they say, you cannot give what you do not have including ‘editorial independence’ if we must shape the future of human rights and especially in the media industry.

Military pledges protection of civilians in conflict, curb human rights abuses - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian military has pledged its readiness to prioritize conflict management and reduce civilian harm in face of the insurgency.

The Commandant National Defence College Nigeria Rear Admiral Murtala Bashir, during a workshop on the protection of civilians in a challenging environment organized by the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defense College (AANDEC), said violence against civilians is an unintended consequence of conflict however he stated that civilians harm perpetrated by security forces will not be tolerated.

BBOG: CDHR indicts Buhari, IGP on human rights violation

ITREALMS:

Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has indicted President Muhammadu Buhari and berated the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on the violation of the rights of the members of the Bring Back Our Girls Group in Abuja, on Tuesday 23^rd January, 2018. CDHR condemned the conduct of the Police in preventing the BBOG from exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression, association and movement, including their right of solidarity to engage in legitimate rally to advance their lawful interest. The Human Rights group described the conduct of the Police as oppressive, primitive and embarrassing.

The BBOG, led by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, had converged at the Unity Fountain, Abuja on Tuesday, 23^rd January, 2017 for their usual rally to attract attention to their patriotic call for the recue or release of the abducted Chibok Girls. Acting on the directive of the IGP, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, illegally prevented the members of the BBOG from exercising their legitimate freedoms, arrested their members, and violated their fundamental rights.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Henry Peter Ekine and made available to the Press, CDHR decried the level to which the Police have degenerated in professionalism and abdicated their expected role to protect the rights of citizens. CDHR was utterly disturbed that the Police have again displayed crass overzealousness in their conduct. The statement by CDHR described the incident as unfortunate in a democratic regime.

CDHR warned that this conduct by the COP on the directive of the IGP, as well as several similar conducts of continuous abuse and violation of the rights of Nigerians by the Police and other state agents, could only incite citizens’ reaction and invite anarchy in an already volatile Nigerian society. CDHR implored the Attorney-General of the Federation to advice the President and the IGP appropriately, at all times, on their conducts that may affect the rights of citizens. Conducts by state agents that violate the rights of citizens raise direct questions on the commitment of the Government to core democratic principles and values.

The foremost human rights group emphasised that the provisions of sections 39, 40 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amendment, provide for the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, assembly and movement, respectively. The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Article 11); the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 13, 19 and 20) also provide for these rights. The state has the responsibility to protect these rights. It was held in Inspector General of Police v. All Nigeria Peoples Party (2007) 18 NWLR (Pt 1066) that the Police must not disrupt the constitutional right of Nigerians to hold a peaceful and legitimate rally; the Police, in a democratic society such as Nigeria, is rather expected to provide security during rallies. CDHR observed that the conduct of the Police operatives amounted to violation of the rights of citizens, particularly the members of BBOG.

CDHR, under the leadership of Comrade Malachy Ugwummadu, therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, all the operatives of security agencies and the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari, to abide by our Constitution and the rule of law and respect the rights of all citizens to exercise their fundamental freedoms. The rule of law must always prevail against arbitrariness and alternatives which have no credence under our Constitution. All state agents must submit themselves to the law, and security agencies must not be seen to violate the rights of citizens.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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NGO honours Comrade Maduagwuna with human rights award

ITRealms:

The chairman of the Anambra State chapter of Road Transporters Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEA), Comrade Kingsley Maduaguwna has been honored with prestigious African award on security, peace and unity by the Centre for Defence of Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CDHRDA), reports ITRealms.

The secretary general, CDHRDA, Prof. Maurice Fangnon in his speech at the recently held event at Jumac Hotel Awka, Anambra State, commended Comrade Maduagwuna also known as Baron, saying that the award is a reflection of his efforts at fighting and protecting human rights and impacts in the area of leadership.

Fangnon also enjoined Nigerians to emulate Comrade Maduagwuna’s disposition to peace and unity of his immediate environs in Anambra State and Nigeria in general.

Also speaking, the Special Advisers (SA) to Anambra State Governor on Political Matters, Ozo John Okoye applauded Comrade Maduagwuna on his award and the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for creating the enabling environment for peace to thrive in Anambra State.

He noted that the enabling environment also paved the way for growth witnessed in security and agriculture.

Okoye also said that Anambra State is proud of Comrade Maduagwuna for bringing the CDHRDA glorious prize to the state.

Equally speaking, the Royal father of the day, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Igwe C.E Nnaegbuna (JP), the  Ige II of Ebenebe, extoled the award organizers and the awardee, Comrade Maduagwuna,  for his outstanding and exemplary human rights qualities by bringing this to bear in his leadership of RTEA in Anambra State, especially now most countries of the world are facing security and leadership challenges.

Responding after receiving his award, Comrade Kingsley Maduagwuna dedicated the prize to the people of Anambra State.

In addition, he expressed appreciation to God Almighty for making the day possible and the award organizers, CDHRDA as well as those who honoured him with their presence at the ceremony.

He equally used the opportunity to enjoined the Anambra State Government to partner with Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the state in continuous sensitization of peaceful co-existence in all the motor parks whilst fighting crime among others in the transport sector of the state.

Ozo Nweke Ozo/GEE
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Pix: Comrade Kingsley Maduagwuna being decorated at the occasion.

Renewable energy: Shell partners Akon to light up kinect pitch @ FCET Akoka

ITRealms:

Music icon Akon has partnered with Shell Nigeria to lighten the first Africa’s human and solar powered football pitch at the Federal College of Education Technical (FCET), Akoka, Lagos, reports ITRealms.

The new pitch is the latest initiative from Shell under the #makethefuture initiative, intended to put clean energy ideas into action to the benefits of the hosting communities and its environ.

ITRealms gathered that the football pitch was refurbished by Shell using over 90 underground tiles that capture kinetic energy created by the movement of the players. 

Also it was learnt that the tiles were invented by a young British entrepreneur and founder of Pavegen, Laurence Kemball-Cook, who has been supported through Shell LiveWIRE. The kinetic energy enables the storage of energy combined with power generated by solar panels to operate the new floodlights. 

Thus allowing the students to play even at night and provides a safer and more secure space at the heart of the community.

Osagie Okunbor, Country Chairman at Shell Companies in Nigeria & Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) said, Shell makes a significant contribution to energy solutions for Nigeria, and is committed to supporting the Nigerian economy and its people. 

"We need bright energy ideas. Some of these will come from Shell but naturally, others will come from outside our business. So it’s crucial that Shell supports energy entrepreneurs, and we hope that this pitch will inspire more entrepreneurs and young people to help us make a smarter energy future,” Okunbor said.

Commenting, Akon describe as new dawn with reliable smarty energy solutions playing a major role in driving human progress in Africa. 

“Projects like this innovative football pitch draw attention to the major opportunity that Nigeria as well as the whole of Africa have if we look to better harness new technologies and the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources,” he said.

The Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr. Siji O. Olusanya, said “We have more than 10,000 student teachers, who will benefit from this innovative solution to light our football pitch.”

+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) +ITRealms DSA  

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Pix:Akon joined Nigerian student football teams for reveal of new Shell pitch