From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Professor Elijah Ebenehi Ogbadu of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has advocated the use of ethical and socially responsible marketing practices to address poverty, insecurity, unemployment and other social challenges in Nigeria.

Ogbadu made the call while delivering the university’s 25th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Marketing, A Societal Saviour: Charting the Course for Future Nigeria,” at the university auditorium on Tuesday.He said marketing had evolved beyond its traditional focus on sales and distribution to encompass broader concerns about quality of life and societal wellbeing.

According to him, marketing organisations should identify consumer needs and provide value in ways that promote both customer satisfaction and the wider interests of society.

Ogbadu said profit remained an important measure of business performance but should not be treated as the sole objective of commercial activity. He identified poverty, corruption, poor governance, insecurity, drug abuse, inadequate healthcare, cultism, communal conflicts, unemployment, examination malpractice, electoral malpractice and unethical business practices among challenges affecting Nigeria.

The professor argued that a socially oriented approach to marketing could help identify social problems and support the development of sustainable solutions. He also emphasised stakeholder engagement, employee welfare, customer satisfaction, social responsibility and long-term value creation as important elements of modern marketing.

The Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, congratulated Ogbadu on the lecture and described it as another milestone in the university’s academic development. Usman commended the lecturer for linking marketing scholarship with contemporary social challenges.

By Israel Adamu

Hope is gradually returning to Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State as residents displaced by insecurity begin returning to their ancestral homes and resuming farming activities.

Communities including Egwuma, Akele, Olegankolo, Ikpele 1 and 2, Ogwumogbo, Iwari, Okpokpolo, Olakpa, Ogbai, Olegadapa, Olegadaechono, Ekwo and Okadu/London are among those where residents have reportedly returned. The development has been supported by security operations and interventions by the Benue State Government, Agatu Local Government Council and other stakeholders.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has provided logistics and equipment to security agencies operating in the area, while the State Emergency Management Agency has continued humanitarian support for displaced residents.

Agatu Local Government Chairman, Ambassador Melvin James Ejeh, said his administration was working with security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to consolidate peace and facilitate the return of displaced residents.

Education and other basic services are also receiving attention. The local government is operating the Universal Basic Education primary school in Nkwele as part of efforts to restore access to education.

Residents Ocheje Okpoku, Agaba Oche and Elder Gabriel Ngbede commended the state and local governments for supporting security operations, humanitarian assistance and community rehabilitation. Ejeh also commended Operation Whirl Stroke, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for their operations in the area.

However, communities including Ejima Geche and Ejima Gega are still awaiting the full return of residents, while some displaced families remain unable to return because of destroyed homes and inadequate infrastructure.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed 600 officers from Akwa Ibom State to Osun State to reinforce security ahead of the governorship election.

Addressing the officers in Uyo before their departure, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, urged them to maintain professionalism, neutrality, discipline and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment.

Azare warned the officers against partisanship, voter intimidation, extortion, harassment, excessive use of force, alcohol consumption while on duty and other conduct capable of undermining the integrity of the election.

He also reminded them to comply with the Inspector-General of Police’s social media policy, particularly regarding the sharing or livestreaming of sensitive election-related photographs, videos and information that could compromise operational security.

The commissioner said transportation had been provided for the officers and directed them not to pay for their movement to Osun or their return to Akwa Ibom. He ordered officers to travel only through approved arrangements and warned commanders against collecting money from personnel for transportation or related expenses.

Azare directed the officers to remain under their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials. He said officers found guilty of misconduct, extortion, unauthorised collection of money or violation of lawful directives would face disciplinary action.