The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised the alarm over the recent cases of media repression in the country.
Musikilu Mojeed, President, IPI Nigeria, raised the alarm at a dinner organised by the institute to honour one of its members and a retired Director in charge of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service on clocking the mandatory retirement age of 60.
NAN also reports that the identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the service of the agency (NAN) as a Director.
Speaking at the event, Mojeed, the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, cited the
Programme in Kano State and arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State. recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live
HE said: “Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.
“The repressive action was taken over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda, was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
“A former ‘ThisDay’ employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the police for doing her job.
“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media.”
Mojeed called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.
He stressed that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.
He said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.
He noted her significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress in Nigeria in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.
Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.
The Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.
Ndace described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.
He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which, he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.
