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SDNON Summit 2025 Highlights Cyber Law and Taxation Shifts

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The Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) successfully hosted its 3rd Annual Digital Media Summit on November 13, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Centre, Alausa.

The summit brought together journalists, editors, publishers, media executives, human rights advocates, and technology experts to examine the evolving intersection of media, law, policy, and digital governance.

Hosted by Philips Renar, the summit explored Nigeria’s changing regulatory landscape, including the Cybercrime Act, the upcoming 2026 tax reforms, and the responsibilities of digital media practitioners in a rapidly shifting information environment.

The theme for the summit was: “Policy Shifts in Cyber Law and Taxation: What They Mean for the Media and Nigeria’s Economy.”

The summit opened with an address by Mr. Shaba Gbenga, Vice President of SDNON, who represented the association’s leadership in the temporary absence of the President. He emphasized the critical need for media practitioners to understand and adapt to rapid regulatory changes ahead of Nigeria’s policy reforms in 2026 and the 2027 election cycle.

SDNON welcomed its distinguished guest speaker, Bill Killorn, Executive Director of Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), a Canadian NGO globally recognized for strengthening the capacity of journalists, media outlets, civil society groups, and institutions on human rights and democratic governance. Killorn delivered a compelling address on the role of responsible journalism in safeguarding democratic values amid rising regulatory pressures.

In recognition of his contributions to global media development, Killorn received an Award of Excellence, jointly presented by SDNON Vice President Gbenga Shaba, Public Relations Officer Kanyinulia Okeke, and keynote speaker Barrister Q.A. Afolabi.

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Two keynote sessions anchored the summit’s central discussions:

Q.A. Afolabi, Esq., a leading authority on digital policy, examined current and emerging shifts in cyber law, highlighting implications for press freedom, digital content regulation, and accountability frameworks.

Christopher Dike (ACTI), a chartered taxation expert, provided critical insights into Nigeria’s upcoming tax reforms and their projected economic impact on media organisations and the broader digital ecosystem.

The first panel session, moderated by Olufisola Ige-Lahanmi, focused on the Cybercrime Act and its far-reaching effects on journalism and free expression. The panel featured:

Mr. Kehinde Adegboyega, human rights activist, who stressed that the Cybercrime Act has been misapplied in ways that threaten constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. He cited instances of journalists being detained without warrants under the guise of cyberstalking and called for urgent review.

Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, President of NAWOJ, highlighted the rising trend of technology-based gender violence against female journalists, revealing that 73% of women in the industry have experienced online attacks, with 10–20% escalating to physical threats. She encouraged journalists to prioritize safety and join professional associations for protection.

Mr. Onoride “Onos” Akusu, PR expert, urged communication professionals to educate clients on data protection, build audience communities, and maintain control over brand narratives to prevent reputational harm.

The second panel, moderated by Seunmanuel Faleye, focused on Nigeria’s new taxation policies and drew significant participation from attendees. With the new law set to take effect in 2026, audience members asked numerous questions about its impact on digital publishers, content creators, media entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

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Panellists Christopher Dike (ACTI) and Allison Olusegun Chucks provided clarity on compliance requirements, exemptions, and the broader economic implications of the new tax regime.

Students from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) actively participated, engaging panellists with thoughtful questions and gaining firsthand exposure to the challenges and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.

SDNON President Adeniyi Ifetayo, who joined later in the program, addressed attendees on the association’s strategic direction and the pivotal role of digital publishers in shaping national discourse.

Former SDNON President Otunba Femi Davies also spoke, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the new tax policy set for implementation in 2026.

The summit recorded strong representation from sister organizations and professional bodies, including:

Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)

Nigeria Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE)

League of Online Publishers and Editors (LOPE).

The summit also received support from Viju, whose beverage sponsorship energized participants throughout the sessions.

Closing the summit, Mr. Wale Onifade, Chairman of the Planning Committee, thanked attendees for their engagement and wished them a safe journey back to their destinations.

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Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Hails Ooni of Ife at 10, Praises Reign of Unity

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The Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, on the occasion of his 10th coronation anniversary.

In a goodwill message, Aare Emmanuelking described the monarch’s decade-long reign on the revered throne of Oduduwa as divinely inspired, visionary, and transformational, noting that it has ushered in a new era of cultural renaissance and national unity.

He stated that since his ascension, the Ooni has redefined traditional leadership by modernising kingship, reviving Yoruba cultural identity, and strengthening Ile-Ife’s position as the spiritual and cultural epicentre of the Yoruba people.

According to him, the monarch’s leadership has significantly advanced youth empowerment, cultural diplomacy, innovation, and community development, while also strengthening ties between Africa and the global African diaspora.

Aare Emmanuelking commended the Ooni for successfully combining the preservation of ancient traditions with progressive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives, describing him as a beacon of cultural pride and purposeful leadership.

Speaking on behalf of his family, the Board, and Management of Adron Group, he expressed gratitude to God for the monarch’s impactful reign. He prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and long life as he continues to serve the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

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Why Keeping Ribadu as NSA Is Critical to Nigeria’s Security Strategy – Expert Analysis

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A security stakeholder and community engagement expert, Henry Bassey, has faulted the call by the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, for the replacement of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with a retired military officer.


‎Fadahunsi had, in a statement issued on December 2, 2025, urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a former military officer as NSA and redeploy Ribadu to another national assignment.

‎Reacting, Bassey described the call as “dangerous, outdated and inconsistent with modern security leadership.”

‎He said, “The call to replace Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with a retired military officer reflects a narrow and outdated understanding of national security. What Nigeria needs is results, not recycled arguments rooted in obsolete assumptions.”

‎Bassey explained that national security had gone beyond military hardware to include political, economic, environmental, food, energy and cyber considerations.

‎He noted that globally, the NSA position is often held by civilians with deep policy and intelligence backgrounds, citing the United States where the current NSA, Jake Sullivan, is a civilian lawyer.

‎“Even in Nigeria, former police chiefs like Gambo Jimeta and Aliyu Ismaila Gwarzo served as NSA and performed excellently,” he said.

‎According to him, Ribadu’s background in intelligence, anti-corruption, inter-agency coordination and counter-terrorism makes him well suited for the office.

‎“The NSA is not a combatant position. It requires strategic thinking, intelligence coordination and integrity, qualities Ribadu has demonstrated for decades,” Bassey added.

‎He warned that the notion that only military officers could command respect within the armed forces was dangerous in a democratic setting.

‎Bassey urged the Federal Government to sustain the current security architecture under Ribadu, stressing that “excessive militarisation of the NSA office will only weaken Nigeria’s broader security framework.”

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FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND AIR OFFICER COMMANDING MOBILITY COMMAND FORGE STRONGER ALLIANCE TO COMBAT OIL THEFT

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Thursday 4 December 2025 – The Central Naval Command (CNC) and the Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening synergy to tackle rising insecurity, particularly the menace of crude oil theft, in the Niger Delta region.

​The commitment was the highlight of a significant visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) CNC, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, to the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, at the NAF base in Yenagoa.
​During the meeting, Rear Admiral Ibrahim pledged full cooperation, stating, “The Central Naval Command under my watch would work hand-in-hand with the Mobility Command to achieve the mission and vision of our both services.” He stressed that the collaboration aligns with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s (CNS) Leadership and Command Ethos, thanking Vice Admiral Idi Abbas for his guidance.

​In his response, Air Vice Marshal Onyebashi expressed the Mobility Command’s readiness to strengthen the existing relationship, emphasizing that this renewed synergy would lead to significant improvements in security.
​He specifically outlined the Mobility Command’s support:

​Intelligence Gathering: Conducting joint maritime and air patrols aimed at gathering critical intelligence.

​Targeting Illegalities: Directing efforts against crude oil theft and other illegal activities within both commands’ Areas of Responsibility.

​AVM Onyebashi lauded the choice of Rear Admiral Ibrahim as FOC CNC, noting his professionalism and familiarity with the Niger Delta region. “Our continued collaboration will enhance the prosperity of the Nation,” the AOC maintained.

Attached are relevant pictures, Sir.

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