The International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria has raised the alarm over a growing trend of repression against journalists and media organisations in the country.
Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria and Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, spoke at a dinner in Abuja organised to honour Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, retired Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria, VON.
The event was attended by media leaders, colleagues, and stakeholders who celebrated her service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
In his remarks, Mojeed listed several recent cases of harassment faced by journalists, citing them as worrying signs for press freedom.
He noted that the banning of a live political programme in Kano State, the eviction of Channels Television crew from the Akwa Ibom Government House press centre, and the arrests of Sodiq Atanda of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism in Ekiti State and Azuka Ogujiuba, a former ThisDay employee, point to an alarming trend.
“These are not isolated incidents. Every day, there is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” Mojeed stressed.
He urged journalists and advocates to intensify efforts to defend press freedom and protect the independence of Nigeria’s media space.
Mojeed also linked Sani’s retirement to a critical moment for the industry, saying she played a major role in strengthening IPI Nigeria, including her contributions to hosting its World Congress in Abuja in 2018.
He appealed to her to continue supporting press freedom even after her public service career.
The Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, praised Sani’s leadership in digital journalism, saying she successfully transformed the organisation’s online presence and ensured its competitiveness on the global stage.
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He described her as a professional who blended traditional media skills with modern digital practices.
“Journalism is a marathon, not a sprint. Hajia Sani’s career is a testament to resilience, passion, and dedication,” Ndace said.
Also present was Mr. Garba Shehu, former spokesperson to late President Muhammadu Buhari, who described Sani’s exit from VON as a loss for the organisation but a gain for the broader media industry.
He highlighted her selflessness and servant-leadership qualities, noting her commitment to mentoring young journalists.
Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abdulwaheed Odusile, also commended Sani’s expertise and contributions, saying she left behind a reputation for excellence and innovation.
In her reflections, Sani expressed gratitude to God, her family, and colleagues for their support throughout her 34-year career, which began at the Nigerian Television Authority before her move to VON.
She noted that her journey had been both challenging and rewarding, shaped by perseverance, vision, and consistency.
She assured that retirement would not take her away from the media space, stating her plans to focus on research, writing, and teaching.
“I have pulled out from active public service, but I have not retired. My brain is still very active, and I will continue to contribute through research, writing, and mentoring,” she said.
The event highlighted Sani’s lasting impact on journalism, even as the IPI used the occasion to caution against growing restrictions on press freedom in Nigeria.
Crediblenewsng.com
