Musikilu Mojeed has been re-elected as IPI Nigeria President alongside Ahmed Shekarau as Secretary to advance press freedom and independent journalism.
Musikilu Mojeed, the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, and Ahmed I. Shekarau, CEO of the Media Trust Group, have been re-elected as President and Secretary, respectively, of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigerian chapter.
The election, held on 12 December 2024, saw both officials and four others emerge unopposed, securing their roles for the next three years.
Raheem Adedoyin, a global IPI board member, announced the new executive team, which includes Fidelis Mbah (Al Jazeera Television) as Deputy President, Rafatu Salami (Voice of Nigeria) as Treasurer, Yomi Adeboye (Herald Newspaper) as Assistant Secretary, and Tobi Soniyi (Arise News) as Legal Adviser.
During his inaugural address, Mojeed promised an inclusive leadership approach and called for members’ support to advance the organisation’s mission of improving Nigeria’s media landscape.
He stressed the need for collective effort to ensure a free and credible press environment.
The election followed IPI Nigeria’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the outgoing executives led by Mojeed rendered a three-year stewardship report and financial update.
Amendments to sections of the organisation’s constitution were also ratified.
A notable highlight of the event was the arrival of Segun Osoba, former Governor and veteran journalist, who commended IPI Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to press freedom and independent journalism.
Osoba, who had just returned from an overseas trip, praised the executives for their dedication, ensuring the successful organisation of the conference.
The AGM attracted prominent journalists, including former Tribune Newspapers Editor-in-Chief Folu Olamiti, ex-presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, ICIR Board Chairman Oluwafisan Bankale, and ICIR Executive Director Dayo Aiyetan.
Others present were Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika (University of Lagos), Kunle Babs (Feature Story News), Danlami Nmodu (Newsdiary Online), and Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Conference on Media Freedom and Civic Space
Preceding the election, IPI Nigeria hosted a conference themed “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, opened the conference, asserting that press freedom exists in Nigeria.
However, keynote speaker Professor Tony Iredia strongly disagreed, arguing that media freedom remains under threat.
The event also featured critical presentations. DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi addressed the complex relationship between the media and security agencies.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede spoke on fostering partnerships between journalists and anti-corruption agencies.
In his address, former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed advocated reducing tension between government and the media to enhance understanding and avoid censorship.
The three-day programme concluded with a celebratory dinner honouring IPI Nigeria’s members, partners, and supporters.
IPI’s Role in Advocating Press Freedom
The International Press Institute (IPI), headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a global network of editors, media executives, and leading journalists dedicated to safeguarding press freedom and journalists’ rights.
Established in 1950, IPI remains a steadfast advocate for independent journalism worldwide.
As a key affiliate of IPI Global, IPI Nigeria continues to champion credible journalism, free speech, and the unhindered flow of information in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation.
