Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has lauded the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for their smooth and successful conduct of leadership elections. The elections, which saw the re-election of prominent media executives and the emergence of new leaders, marked a significant milestone for media professionals in the country.
In a statement issued on December 15, 2024, Idris congratulated Muskilu Mojeed, Chief Executive Officer of Premium Times, and Ahmed Shekarau, Managing Director of Media Trust, on their re-election as President and Secretary of IPI Nigeria, respectively. He also praised the retention of four other officers in the IPI’s leadership team.
The Minister extended similar accolades to the NUJ for its peaceful leadership transition, which resulted in the election of Malam Alhassan Yahaya as President and Abimbola Oyetunde as the union’s first female Deputy National President. He described the development as a testament to the union’s commitment to inclusivity and professionalism.
“I must also commend the government of Imo State for their support and hospitality in hosting the members and delegates of the NUJ, which contributed significantly to the success of the election,” Idris remarked.
The Minister emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards and integrity in journalism. He urged the IPI and NUJ to strengthen their roles as advocates for truth and accountability.
“As defenders of truth, the media must prioritize integrity and accountability in their work. I encourage both unions to ensure that their members uphold the highest standards of journalism for the betterment of our democracy,” Idris stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom and the creation of an enabling environment for the media to thrive. “We will continue to protect the fundamental rights of the press, ensuring a conducive environment for free, fair, and responsible journalism to flourish in Nigeria,” the Minister pledged.
The International Press Institute (IPI) is a global network of journalists, editors, and media executives dedicated to defending press freedom, promoting independent journalism, and fostering media pluralism. Its Nigerian chapter has been instrumental in advancing these ideals within the country.
The NUJ, on the other hand, remains the leading professional body for journalists in Nigeria, with its new leadership poised to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities in the media landscape.
The successful elections signal renewed optimism for the media sector in Nigeria, as both organizations aim to deepen their contributions to national development while maintaining the ethical and professional standards necessary for a thriving democracy.
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