News Central TV has been honoured with a distinguished award for its role in supporting women across the nation.

The Managing Director of News Central,  Kayode Akintemi, received the award on behalf of the media agency at the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conference held in Abuja.

The award is a recognition of News Central’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women in law enforcement, developmental journalism and community engagement.

The IAWP Conference renowned for its dedication to celebrating the achievements of women in law enforcement and their allies, presented Akintemi with the award in acknowledgment of News Central TV’s impactful contributions to society.

The conference brought together influential leaders, policy makers, and advocates from around the globe to discuss and address critical issues facing women in law enforcement and beyond.

Across Nigeria, News Central is renowned for championing initiatives that empower women and promote diversity within the media industry.

The station has been instrumental in providing a platform for women’s voices, addressing social issues, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. The award further highlights News Central’s dedication and commitment to the cause.

Commenting on the award, the Managing Director expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of continued efforts towards gender equality and social justice.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of News Central TV. Our mission has always been to create a media landscape that is reflective of our diverse society and to empower women to tell their stories.

“This award motivates us to continue our work with even greater passion and determination,” Akintemi said.

News Central TV remains committed to its core values of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity. The station will continue to leverage its platform to advocate for positive change, support women in the media, and contribute to the overall betterment of society

One of Nigeria’s most enterprising sports journalists, Tana Aiyejina who was Group Sports Editor of The Punch, has been elevated to the position of Deputy Editor of the newspaper.

A basketball promoter, Igoche Mark has congratulated the journalist who is well known for his in-depth reporting.

Mark, renowned for his contributions to the growth of basketball in Nigeria, through his Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship sponsorship, praised Aiyejina’s dexterity and dedication to quality sports news reporting. 

“Mr. Tana Aiyejina’s elevation as Deputy Editor of The Punch Newspapers is a testament to his dexterity and dedication to quality sports news reportage from his days as a green horn sports reporter with The National Mirror,” he said.

Aiyejina, who hails from Edo State, has earned the moniker ‘Tenacious Tana’ for his objective and tenacious approach to sports journalism.

 Mark commended the sports editor’s remarkable track record, stating, “He has always discharged his duties with objectivity and tenacity, a trade mark that earned him the moniker ‘Tenacious Tana.’”

Looking ahead, Mark urged Aiyejina to continue his valuable contributions to the sports sector, saying, “My charge to you as a stakeholder in sports is never to leave the sector, as together let’s build Nigerian sports to an enviable height.”

“The promotion of Tana Aiyejina to the position of Deputy Editor at The Punch Newspapers is a testament to his unwavering commitment to sports journalism and his ability to consistently deliver high-quality reporting. This recognition is sure to inspire other sports journalists to strive for excellence in their craft,” Mark added.

Watching international sports events, including those of the national teams, has become a huge luxury, if not totally impossible in Benin Republic.

The blames are often put on government advisers who probably have not realised the importance of sports in the society.  

Fingers point at two personalities –  Sinatou Saka and Jean-Marc Adjovi Bocco. Saka was last year  appointed representative of the Beninese state on the board of directors of the joint audiovisual company. She is a journalist specializing in digital entrepreneurship.  

Bocco, a former professional footballer who played in the defence line of Benin national team is the technical adviser to the minister of sports.

Both were expected to use their good offices to advise government on issues of broadcast rights such that citizens could have access to international sports events, especially football.

 They seem to have the views that watching international sports should remain a luxury owing to high cost of buying broadcast rights. The context in France seems to be the yardstick being employed while in the Beninese environment, sponsorship and advertisement is still very weak.

And even when the rights sellers revise the figures downwards, Sinatou Saka is believed to have turned down the offers. Peoples’ passion for sports is often overlooked. Bocco, too despite being a sports personality has not offered any assistance thus depriving millions of Beninese people of these rare moments of happiness around national teams and their athletes.

It is expected that the duo would advise the government to amortize the cost of television rights to relieve the citizens and Beninese generally.