NEWS
Obiagbena Fires Over 50% Of ThisDay Staff
In what a lot of staff have termed a ploy not to pay the outstanding salary of not less than 11 months, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief THISDAY Media Group/ARISE TV Networks, Nduka Obaigbena, has sacked more than half of the THISDAY workforce.
Obaigbena, in a memo dated February 23, 2016 to the senior management staff of the newspaper, said all staff whose names were not listed therein should have their salaries stopped and no longer considered as working in the company.
The memo was addressed to Eniola Bello, Kayode Komolafe, Emmanuel Efeni, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Tokunbo Adedoja and Shaka Momodu.
Some of those to whom the memo was addressed were also not listed as bonafide staff.
Obaigbena’s action was said to have followed the attendance he took when he did what he termed spot check at the Lagos office of the newspaper.
He was said to have arrived at the office at about 2pm and left at 7pm.
He wrote in the memo to the management staff, with the Subject: VERY IMPORTANT STAFF NOTICE: “Dear All: Following a continuous and continuing spot check which climaxed today on LAGOS staff on duty and working, please find below a list of bonafide NON – EDITORIAL LAGOS STAFF of THISDAY NEWSPAPERS. The spot check will continue in ALL THISDAY locations.
“Those not on the list below cease to be staff of the company except they show with documentary evidence why they were not, and have not been at work. Editorial Staff have to show work with proof of stories filed and published tonight. Therefore only those listed below will be on the next payroll. If not listed, please conclude your disengagement process with the Admin department.
“A. Account Department:
1. Akiemughu Ezekiel
2. Olurebi Abiola Yusuf
3. Kasali Ganiyu
4. Arole Olawale
5.Alex Egberughe
6. Sambo Mohammed
7. Ngboken Odonzi
8. Sunday Adofu
9. Charles Afambu
10. Dibiagwu Uchenna
11. Amao K. Abisola
12. Raufiu Shina
13. Ariori Kamilu
14. Peter Iwegbu
15. Olufemi Aborowa.
“B. Computer Department:
1. Oku Ejiro
2. Balogun Olaitan
“C. Editorial (Photo Desk)
1. Yomi Akinyele
2. Kolawole Alli
3. Mubo Peters
4. Sunday Adigun
“D. Admin Department:
1. Adedapo Olojo
2. Megbolu Innocent
3. Emmanuel Efeni
“E. Advert Department:
1. Umoren Paulinus
2. Ogochukwu Eseka
3. Odeh Williams
4. Okwuise Ngozi
5. Ogedengbe Anthony
“F. Engineering Department:
1. Abdulmumuni Momoh
2. Peter Amoh
3. Emmanuel Hope
4. Adah Francis
5. Balogun Idris
6. Adewoyin Folakemi.
“G. ICT/SERVER/DIGITAL
1. Ogunleye George
2. T.J Dennis Madu
3. Judith Ehireme
4. Michael Okeke
5. Ojogun Danboyi
6. Mbayilan Aindo – Akaa
“H. Pre-press Department:
1. Funke Amobi
2. Scoot Orwell
“I. Printers:
1. Adedayo Adebiyi
2. Aina Adekunle
3. Badmus Semiu
4. Chuks Okonkwo
5. Akintunde Isaac
6. Sunday Etuonu
“J. Editorial Department:
1. Davidson Iriekpen
2. Martins Ifijeh
3. Funke Olaode
4. Crusoe Osagie
5. Roland Ogbonnnaya
6. Abiodun Ajala
7. Sunday Okonbi
“K. Office of Chairman:
1. Ayo Arowolo
“L. Legal Department:
1. Okwuchi Nwaamaka Chukwuma
“M. Executive Floor:
1. Alailedoye Bunmi
“N. Security Department:
1. Omotosho Abiola
2. Lovey Asuquo Essang
3. Nwachukwu Eugene
4. Samuel Alaku
5. Ebhoma Lucky
6. Abu Stephen
“O. Procurement Department:
1. Joseph Ebere
“P. Transport Department:
1. Benjamin Faloye
2. Hassan Afeez
3. Adebayo Kayode
4. Abdullah Alaran
5. Oluwashola Ayeni
6. Akintayo Ademigoke
7. Oladele Sunday
8. Lanre Akande
“Q. Press Attendant/Inserter
1. Erinle David
2. Olaojo Tunde
3. Abazu Ugochukwu
4. Dada Ezekiel
5. Chigozie Abalum
6. Lawal Kehinde
7. Mbah Kalu
8. Kolawole Ebietomiye
9. Kunle Seun
9. Wahab Tope.
“R. MANAGEMENT.
1. Eniola Bello
2. Kayode Komolafe
3. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu.”
Obaigbena further directed some staff of the Accounts Department to “prepare a new payroll another month based on the list below.
“We will try and pay up current month plus one month arrears every month at least.”
It was learnt that apart from the fact that some of the staff were not on duty on the day Obaigbena visited, two major reasons accounted for the failure of staff to show up regularly in the Lagos office.
One was the issue of outstanding salaries.
Obaigbena is said to be owing between 11 months and 13 months salary.
A senior staff said that they had even lost count of the exact number of months being owed.
The second was that due to an ongoing renovation work in the office complex, there are no chairs for staff to use.
This is particularly so on the first and second floors of the complex.
It was learnt that the morale of the staff is “so low that they just manage to do their jobs and leave.
“And for those who can do their work without coming to the office, especially reporters, they do so and go back home.
“This is more so for the Editorial staff.”
It was learnt that the low morale even extends to the management staff.
It was further gathered that the management staff in the office on the day Obaigbena visited were indeed summoned by him.
One of them was said to have even left before his arrival as he did not come in until about 2pm.
A source added: “The morale sunk lower after it became public knowledge that the Chairman made so much money during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan and refused to pay us our salaries.
“Yet, the huge sums we make here he packs away to fund Arise TV.
“This is not good enough and he still expects to find everyone in the office even when we can barely feed ourselves and families.”
It was gathered that some staff have started writing Obaigbena to explain their whereabouts on the day he was in the office.
One of them wrote: “Chairman, Good afternoon sir. I wish to inform you that I was on the field working yesterday at the time that names were being written in the office.
“I was at the Lagos state government secretariat for a follow up meeting of the one that held last week of one of the subcommittees on Lagos State at 50 anniversary to discuss advert placements in Thisday.
“Mr Anthony Ogedengbe the divisional director,Adverts can attest to this sir.
“Looking forward to a favourable consideration.”
Another wrote: “Good afternoon sir my chairman my name is Sunday Oamen one of your staff from Advert Department. I hereby state as follows after the management meeting on Monday this week. Hassan Saheed and l met with Mr Tony ogedengbe, where he divided us to subgroup to follow up advert publication that is not in thisday and in other papers as the head of the group Rapid Response Team (RRT) hr just form as away of increasing Revenue sales, that every Tuesdays and Thursday’s 12noon and 5.30pm we should go out that is Saheed Hassan and I at list visited three places and get back to him on their response base on this we left office at 12pm to visit the following places….”
It was equally gathered that the head of units in the Editorial Department have been directed by their Editors to compile the list of stories sent by reporters under them on the day in question.
Those listed as bonafide staff are said to be less than 50 per cent of the staff of the newspaper outfit, with most describing the move by Obaigbena as surprising.
–Today
NEWS
Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds
Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.
As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.
The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.
“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.
The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.
Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.
About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.
The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.
Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.
Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.
The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.
In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.
Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost in the recent fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.
The Fund said its thoughts are with the families, colleagues, and organisations affected, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service, United Capital Plc, UBA, Afriland Properties, and others.
NSITF’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, sent heartfelt condolences, saying: “Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. We stand with you in this time of grief.”
He also commended the courage of emergency workers and the swift action of the Lagos State authorities in containing the situation.
To support those affected, NSITF has activated its Lagos support desk to work with employers, families, and government agencies. The desk is helping with incident reports, claims processing, and benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.
This covers dependants of the deceased as well as rehabilitation support for survivors. “Our case officers are ready to guide families and employers every step of the way,” Faleye assured.
The Fund noted that the tragedy highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for organisations to take precautions to prevent such disasters.
NSITF urged all employers to: Strengthen workplace safety measures and emergency protocols, especially in high-rise buildings and around backup power systems.
Report incidents quickly to NSITF so support can be provided without delay.
Ensure their organisations are registered with NSITF and that Employees’ Compensation contributions are up to date to guarantee full protection for their workers.
“These measures can save lives, reduce risks, and ensure timely support for those in need,” Faleye stressed.
On behalf of NSITF’s Board, Management, and Staff, he extended the Fund’s deepest sympathies to all those affected, pledging continued collaboration with the Federal Government and Lagos State authorities to protect Nigerian workers.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
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