In a statement on Monday, Ahmed Shekarau, secretary of IPI Nigeria, the committees include Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership, each comprising seasoned industry professionals.

Notable appointees include Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu; former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Funke Egbemode; former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Mr Emma Agu; and former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye.

Committee Chairs and Members:

Fundraising Committee

• Chair: Ms. Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)
• Secretary: Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operations, The Nation

– Members:

• Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation
• Juliet Bumah, Editor, New Telegraph
• Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity
• Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist
• Victoria Ibanga, publisher of The Next Edition
• Olufunke Fadugba, Chairman of the Editorial Board of PenPushing Media
• Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ)

Programming Committee

• Chair: Mr. Oladotun Oladipo, Managing Editor/CEO, Premium Eagle Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online
• Secretary: Hajia Sani, Director, Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON)

– Members:

• Hajiya Zainab Suleiman Okino, Chairman Daily of the Editorial Board of Blueprint
• Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director at The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)
• Catherine Agbo, Deputy Editor, 21st Century Chronicle
• Emma Agu, former Managing Director/CEO, Champion
• Ahmed I. Shekarau, CEO, Media Trust Group

Advocacy Committee:

•  Chair: Tobi Soniyi, Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)
• Secretary: Ochiaka Ugwu, Editor, Features, Peoples Daily

– Members:

• Sule Ya’u Sule, Associate Professor at Bayero University Kano
• Danlami Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiaryonline
• Laide Abbas, Assistant Director, News, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)
• David Ajikobi, Nigerian Editor of Africa Check
• Fred Ohwahwa, former Editor at The Guardian and Senior Partner, Tokee Consult Limited

Membership Committee:

• Chair: Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu, Associate Professor at Bayero University Kano
• Secretary: Linda Dooyum Kpum, IPI Nigeria’s Administrative Secretary

– Members:

• Fidelis Mbah, Al Jazeera Media Network and Deputy President of IPI Nigeria
• Naziru Mikailu Abubakar, PhD Fellow at the University of Westminster, United Kingdom
• Bolanle Ismail, lecturer, Crescent University, Abeokuta

The committees are tasked with key responsibilities:

• The Fundraising Committee will plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising activities to support IPI Nigeria’s programs.
• The Programming Committee will design initiatives and develop compelling programs aligned with IPI Nigeria’s objectives.
• The Advocacy Committee will provide strategic direction for IPI Nigeria’s advocacy efforts, promoting press freedom and engaging with public officials on key policy issues.
• The Membership Committee will focus on attracting new members, assessing applicants’ qualifications, and enhancing member engagement.

IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, stated that the reconstitution of these committees aims to accelerate efforts in safeguarding press freedom and promoting responsible journalism practices in Nigeria.

In a statement released Friday in Abuja signed by, Mallam Ahmed Shekarau, the secretary,  the organisation described the late Rafatu Salami as a journalist that made her mark in the profession and rose to the position of Assistant Director, Digital Media, at the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

According to the statement:

“Rafatu was a compassionate woman who was always ready to give a helping hand to her colleagues with her wealth of experience gained over the years.

“She was an active unionist and team player which manifested in her as election as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council (2015-2018), with her total commitment to the union’s duties and other activities relating to championing the cause of press freedom and responsible journalism in Nigeria”, it said.

The IPI secretary noted that her demise has created a vacuum in the journalism profession in Nigeria, stating that:

“Rafatu died when her services were most needed by IPI Nigeria and the nation, having stamped her foot in the sands of time. She would be greatly missed by her colleagues, family and admirers”.

Rafatu was married with children and would be buried at the Gudu Cemetery, Apo District, after a funeral prayer at the Abuja National Mosque, Abuja.

In their tributes to their departed colleague, members of the IPI Nigeria board and congress have these to say:

“Hajia Rafatu Salami’s remarkable legacy, marked by her dedication to journalism, unwavering integrity, selflessness and compassion for humanity will be greatly missed”, Musikilu Mojeed, President, IPI Nigeria, said.

“Very sad! May Allah have mercy on her and give her family the fortitude to deal with the loss, Amin summa Amin”, Kadaria Ahmed, founder, Radio Now and member of the Board of Trustees of IPI Nigeria, lamented.

“Oh, no! This is so sad”, said Victoria Ibanga, publisher of The Next Edition.

“May Allah accept her returns and watch over all that she left behind. My condolences to all of us”, mourned Borokimi Abeke.

“Sad! May God rest her soul and forgive her shortcomings,” Geoffrey Ekenna said.

“This is saddening! She was full of life at the Conference, AGM and dinner. May Allah grant her Aljanah Fridaus”, — Tunde Oladunjoye.

“It is said to say adieu Hajiya Salami. What happens to Ahmed now? Well, we can’t question God. May your soul find rest! — Peter Oluka, editor, Techeconomy.

“What a sad news! I am devastated. She was a pleasant, amiable personality. May her soul find eternal rest” — Folu Olamiti, publisher of Newspot, and member of the BoT of IPI Nigeria.

“Sad, but we can’t question Allah. May Allah grant her Aljanat Firdaus, Amen” —  Danlami Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiary Online.

“May Allah have mercy on her and bless her family in her absence. Condolences to the IPI family” — Dr. Hameed Bello, chief operating officer of Peoples Daily.

“Hajiya Rafat was selfless. She loved to help others in need. The first time I met her in person was when she was energetically leading a fundraising campaign for the overseas treatment of a colleague. Her NUJ committee successfully raised the money and the fellow underwent a successful treatment. Upon his return to the country, he lived on for a few more years before he, eventually, died. Now, she too, has left us. Allah knows best.

May He grant her family the strength to bear the loss”, said Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mojeed, Shekarau and four other officials, elected unopposed and sworn in on Thursday, will direct the affairs of the Nigerian affiliate of the global media body for the next three years.

A statement issued by Raheem Adedoyin, a member of the global executive board of the IPI, disclosed that other members elected into the executive committee of IPI Nigeria include Fidelis Mbah of Al Jazeera Television (deputy president), Rafatu Salami of Voice of Nigeria (treasurer), Yomi Adeboye of Herald Newspaper (assistant secretary) and Tobi Soniyi of Arise News (legal adviser).

Speaking during the inauguration of the new leaders, Mojeed, who promised inclusive administration, solicited the support and commitment of members to enable his team achieve the organisation’s set objectives of enhancing the Nigerian media operating environment.

The election of new leaders was preceded by the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM) where the Mojeed-led executives rendered account of their three-year stewardship and updated members on the financial state of the body. Some sections of the organisation’s constitution were also amended during the AGM.

A major highpoint of the event was the arrival of ex-Governor Segun Osoba, a renowned journalist and prominent, longtime member of the IPI. He praised IPI Nigeria members for their commitment to press freedom, journalists’ rights and independent journalism.

Mr. Osoba, who recently returned from an overseas trip, further commended the organisation’s leadership for ensuring a successful conference.

Apart from ex-Governor Osoba, some other prominent journalists who attended the AGM included a former Editor-In-Chief of Tribune Newspapers (who chaired the forum), Folu Olamiti; former presidential spokesperson and ex-President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Garba Shehu; chairman of the Editorial Board of the Herald and member of the global board of the IPI, Mr. Adedoyin; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Oluwafisan Bankale and the Executive Director of the organisation, Dayo Aiyetan.

Some of the other dignitaries at the congress were Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos; Kunle Babs, the Nigerian Bureau Chief of Feature Story News; Danlami Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiary Online;  Fabian Benjamin, editor-in-chief of JAMB Bulletin; Sule Yau Sule of Bayero University, Kano; Dotun Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online; Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; Ochiaka Ugwu, an editor with Peoples Daily;  Ken Ugbechie, publisher of  Political Economist; Lawal Sabo Ibrahim, former managing director of The Triumph newspapers; Mohammed Danjuma, publisher of Katsina Times; Christopher Isiguzo, former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ); Lanre Arogundade, executive director of the International Press Centre; Zainab Suleiman Okino, chair of the editorial board of Blueprint Newspapers; and Hameed Bello, chief operating officer of Peoples Daily newspapers.

Earlier on Wednesday, IPI Nigeria hosted a well attended conference with the theme: “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space.”

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who chaired the conference’s opening day session said press freedom exists in Nigeria.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Tony Iredia. He disagreed with the minister, arguing fiercely that press freedom does not exist in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, gave a presentation on “Dissecting the Frosty Relationship Between the Nigerian Media and Security Agencies” while the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, spoke on “How the Media and Journalists can Partner Anti-corruption Agencies in the Fight Against Corruption.”

In the same vein, a former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, addressed participants on the topic:  “Government Vs Media: How to Reduce Tension, Enhance Mutual Understanding, and Avoid Censorship”.

The three-part event concluded on the night of 12th December with a dinner for the organisation’s members, partners, and supporters.

The International Press Institute (IPI), with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, is a global network of media executives, editors, and leading journalists. Since its establishment in 1950, it has consistently advocated for journalists’ rights and media freedom worldwide.

IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian branch of IPI Global and is totally committed to credible and independent journalism, media freedom, freedom of speech and the free flow of news and information in Africa’s most populous country and the continent’s biggest economy. [Featured Image Credit]

It was reported that on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, several journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests were shot at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja by security agents wearing hoods.

The journalists narrowly escaped unhurt, but bullets damaged one of their cars.

The shooting happened at the main entrance of the stadium.

The firing of what is suspected to be live ammunition is unacceptable and is strongly condemned.

The shooting also appeared premeditated as the journalists were particularly targeted and shot twice within minutes.

In a statement on Sunday, Musikilu Mojeed, president, IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, the legal adviser, alleged the security agencies knew where the journalists converged.

“Many of them wore vests, with the word PRESS boldly written on them. Many had cameras and drove vehicles with press written on them.

“Saturday’s shooting is even more worrisome as it came a day after the Chief of Defence Staff said on live television that journalists should stop giving protesters publicity.

“The IPI (Nigeria) is hereby demanding an immediate investigation of the shooting incident at the stadium where journalists were targeted. The officers involved, reported to be personnel of the police and the State Security Service, should be identified and punished.

“The media has a responsibility to cover the ongoing protests across the country, and journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutionally mandated role without interference and intimidation by anyone.

“Targeting and shooting at journalists carrying out their lawful duties is tantamount to taking a wild shot at our democracy and it should be condemned by all”, the statement reads over the attack on journalists covering #EndBadGovernance protests.

The body said it observed with concern a series of indiscriminate attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in the country.

A statement on Friday, signed by Musikilu Mojeed, president and Tobi Soniyi, legal adviser, IPI Nigeria, read:

“We hasten to remind law enforcement agencies that it is the constitutional duty of journalists to cover the protests. They should, therefore, not be attacked while carrying out their duties.

“While we recognise the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, it is also the responsibility of journalists to inform the public of happenings in the country.

“Law enforcement agencies are also duty bound to protect journalists. In this regard, we
call on the police to investigate attacks on journalists covering the protests. We also demand that journalists be protected from attacks”. 

Reported attacks on journalists include the following:

Benard Akede of News Central Television was allegedly interrupted and harassed by Police officers who barred him and other journalists from interviewing anyone during a live broadcast in Lagos.

In Kano, a vehicle belonging to Channels Television and conveying about eleven journalists was vandalized. The journalists were traumatised, and one of them, Ibrahim Isah, of TVC was assaulted.

Also, in Kano, another vehicle belonging to Premier Radio was also attacked. A car belonging to Cool/Wazobia/Arewa FM Kano was also not spared.

In Abuja, the nation’s capital, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by Police officers who hit him with the butt of their guns and their batons and caused injuries to his head while covering the protest.

Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by Police officers. Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent and Chairman of FCT Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, was arrested and his mobile telephone seized by Police officers.

“These are in addition to journalists being teargassed alongside other protesters. 

“We call on heads of security agencies to instruct their operatives to stop further attacks on journalists. All culpable law enforcement officers will be held to account”, the statement by IPI Nigeria, read.