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Who the Cap Fits: Nigerian Journalist, George Otumu Bags Global Recognition Award

Published

11 months ago

August 3, 2025

Eric

Media personality and Executive Editor/Group Managing Director, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA, Mr. George Elijah Otumu, has been named the first African recipient of the 2025 Global Recognition Award for world-class journalism in the United States of America (USA).

The honour, conferred amid 45, 000 entries from 100 countries, is noted to affirm his decades-long investigative career, ethical leadership, and transformative impact on journalism and society at large.

The award committee, through its Secretary Tiffany McCarthy, announced Otumu’s selection for the international honour, citing his outstanding achievements in investigative reporting, community engagement, and media innovation.

The judges praised his fearless pursuit of truth and lasting influence on global journalism, particularly through stories spotlighting systemic injustices and human resilience.

Otumu, who currently serves as the Executive Editor and Group Managing Director of Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA—Africa’s most widely read online newspaper with operational branches in Australia and Denmark—has spent close to three decades as an undercover journalist.

He has worked across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Europe, the UAE, the UK, and the US, consistently championing stories that often go unheard.

The award recognises more than just a professional milestone. Otumu’s leadership in journalism has long inspired structural change, from exposing migrant dangers and poverty crises to influencing international advocacy and public policy.

His strategic reporting methods and commitment to amplifying marginalised voices continue to raise journalistic standards while fostering trust in the profession.

Currently the twice-elected National President of the Nigerian-American Press Association (NAPA) in Houston, Texas, Otumu represents over 50 mainstream media outlets in Nigeria and the United States.

He is also an active member of multiple global media organisations and remains a mentor to the next generation of reporters, guiding them through ethical dilemmas and investigative challenges.

His influence extends beyond journalism.

Through interdisciplinary research, curriculum development, and international education initiatives, Otumu has pioneered new approaches to media teaching.

His artistic contributions have also gained international acclaim, reflecting his commitment to cultural preservation and creative storytelling.

His undercover investigations, such as the documentation of Nigerians surviving in water-bound settlements and revelations on transnational organ trafficking, have ignited policy reform debates and mobilised stakeholders worldwide.

These efforts exemplify his relentless drive to confront injustice and generate sustainable social impact.

Otumu’s mentoring programmes have further strengthened the global talent pipeline in journalism, with mentees testifying to the transformative power of his guidance.

From the classroom to the field, his legacy is cemented in stories that inform and empower.

Speaking on his award, Otumu reflected: “I pursued that story to the end, which got me nominated and won a United Nations Media Ambassadorial Award…and many more,” affirming a career marked by courage, ethical resolve, and journalistic excellence.

His achievements were evaluated through the Rasch measurement model, a standard used by the award panel to ensure impartiality and objective analysis across all categories.

Culled from JKnewsmedia

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Certificate Forgery: Group Seeks Tinubu’s Disqualification from 2027 Election

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

‎According to court documents seen by Daily Trust, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates from Chicago State University and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.

‎‎The suit, marked FHC/K/CS/312/2026, lists Tinubu, INEC, and Chicago State University as defendants.

‎The plaintiff contended that Tinubu never attended Government College Lagos as claimed, noting that the school was established in 1974, four years after Tinubu allegedly graduated.

The CSO further argued that Tinubu does not possess a valid secondary school certificate, which is the minimum constitutional requirement to contest for the presidency.

‎It claimed that INEC had failed to act on its petition dated June 19, 2026, demanding clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility.

‎‎In its statement of claims, the group referenced a 2023 U.S. court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

‎The plaintiff insisted those records revealed false entries and inconsistencies, including a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

‎The prayers asked by the plaintiff included declaration of forgery against Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, issuance of an order directing INEC to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election, directing CSU to strike Tinubu’s name from its records and perpetual injunction restraining INEC from uploading Tinubu’s name as a candidate.

‎The plaintiff also submitted affidavits of non-multiplicity of action, witness statements, and letters to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding disclaimers on the alleged fake NYSC certificate.

Featured

Lagos Island Red Cross Holds Annual Thanksgiving Service

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Lagos Island Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has held its 2026 Annual Thanksgiving, to express gratitude for another year of provision of succor and comfort to as many that are in need.

The thanksgiving service, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, on the last Sunday of June, was led by the Division Coordinator, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi.

Speaking to The Boss on the activities of the Island Division of the Red Cross over the years, Olori Elegushi noted that it has been a thing of joy to be at the forefront of releasing the milk of human kindness to as many that needs it, and when they need it.

Coordinator, Lagos Island Division Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi (m), Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile (2nd left), Secretary Ajibola Adu (2md right) and Saheed Ayinde Yusuf (1st right)

“This is what I love to do, and this is what the Red Cross is all about; lending helping hand and spreading love across borders, especially here in Lagos Island.

“In everything, we won’t forget our Maker, the Almighty God, through whose power we are able to do the little and much we can do. That explains why we here today to give thanks as it’s a tradition every year,” Olori Elegushi said.

Olori Elegushi also noted that as an not for profit organization, the Society seeks support well-meaning Nigerians and Lagosians to come to their aid so that the gospel of continuous lending of helping hand to the needy will continue unabated.

“We also seek the support of well-meaning individuals, organizations, and the Church in our efforts to expand our humanitarian activities. With adequate funding and partnerships, we can organize first aid and health awareness programmes for public school students, train more volunteers, equip communities with emergency preparedness skills, and carry out outreach programmes that will positively impact lives across our society,” she concluded.

Olori Elegushi, who will soon join the octogenarian club, was accompanied at the thanksgiving event, by Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile, Secretary Ajibola Adu, Saheed Ayinde Yusuf, and a host of other members, dressed in their sparkling white uniform.

The Red Cross Society is an international organizational saddled with the responsibility of providing healthcare services among other humanitarian services to the people of the world. The Society is domiciled in every part of the world.

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Insecurity: Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge More US Military Action in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, have thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for recent military action against terrorism in Nigeria, urging Washington to do more to halt the unrelenting attacks.

Both clerics spoke at the “Faith Heroes Award Gala” in Washington D.C. on June 26, 2026, organised by Save Nigeria Group USA, SNGUSA, with the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition.

The event honoured Trump, Congressmen Chris Smith and Riley Moore, and other advocates of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Addressing a packed audience of activists, policymakers and faith leaders at the Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Hill, Adeboye said the scale of violence has moved beyond what any religious leader can handle alone.

“Terrorism is now at my doorstep,” he said. “If you want to help us, help us more.”

The RCCG leader, who had faced criticism for not speaking out earlier, said he chose “spiritual warfare” instead of public escalation. He noted that Trump’s December strikes on terrorist camps did not surprise him because the U.S. President had warned of consequences.