International Press Institute Calls For Halt To Series Of Journalist Harassment In Nigeria

The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, has called for immediate halt to the rising cases of harassment of journalists by agents of government across Nigeria.
The President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON) Hajiya Hadiza Hussaina Sani in Abuja, recounted what he called “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.
Musikilu Mojeed, who is Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, 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 said that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Speaking about Hajiya Hadiza Hussaina Sani, who retired after attaining the mandatory 60-year retirement age, the IPI President, said that her contributions to the Institute in Nigeria including her role in organising its World Congress in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.
Musikilu Mojeed appealed to her to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, adding that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.
This was even as the Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising the contributions of Hajiya Hadiza, saying that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.
He described Hajiya Hadiza as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to the Director General, Hajiya Hadiza’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.
“Journalism is a marathon, not a sprint,” saying that the long-standing career of Hajiya Hadiza is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.
Also, Garba Shehu, who was Senior Special Assistant to late Muhammadu Buhari when he was the country’s President for eight years, described the retirement of Hajiya Hadiza as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.
Garba Shehu praised her for being “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism.”
He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.
According to him, Hajiya Hadiza embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.
“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field.”
A former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile
commended Hajiya Hadiza’s dedication and expertise that earned her recognition and respect in the industry.
Responding, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.
She looked back at the challenges and rewards in service, emphasizing the importance of dedication, clear vision and family support as the principal factors for success.
She stressed the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society
She said that telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.
Despite retiring from active public service, she promised to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing and lecturing.
“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.
“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.
“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.
“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.
“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space.” she said.
Her identical twin sister, Hajiya Ameena Hassaina Sani, also retired from the News Agency of Nigeria as Director.

Photo: L-R: President, International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed; Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace; immediate past Director, Digital Media, VON, Hajia Sani; retired News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) staff, Ameena Sani; Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu; and former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile, during a dinner organised on Saturday in Abuja by some members of IPI Nigeria in honour of Hajia Sani, who recently retired from VON.