Media freedom, accountability, and the fight against repression took centre stage as the International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria, convened its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Abuja. Among the highlights was the unveiling of a powerful new publication aimed at documenting violations against journalists.
The two-day event holding at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja has the theme “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.”
The conference brought together over 100 media executives, journalists, press-freedom advocates, academics, and senior government officials from across Nigeria.
Among them was the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who led a distinguished assembly of guests, including top government officials, former ministers, media association leaders and veteran journalists.
But the most-anticipated moment came when IPI Nigeria officially launched its brand new publication, the Book of Infamy.
The “Book of Infamy” is a compilation of documented cases of media repression and press-freedom violations. It aims to shine a spotlight on instances where journalists and media organisations have faced harassment, intimidation, arrest or other forms of suppression, whether at the hands of public officials, security agents, private individuals or institutions.
Some of those mentioned in the Book of Infamy for their part in trying to stifle the MN media include the Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, and the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The mention of these names, seemed to catch Vice President Shettima by surprise as he promised to try and resolve any issue the media has with the two Governors and IGP Egbetokun.
According to IPI Nigeria’s leadership, the book is meant to serve as an accountability tool and public record to help deter future abuses and promote respect for constitutional media freedoms.
MUST READ:Inspector General Egbetokun In Algiers for AFRIPOL summit
Meanwhile, Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Tosin Ajayi was honoured by IPI Nigeria for being responsive to issues of media freedom and ensuring that security operatives do not violate the rights of journalists and media houses.
Also on the agenda was the induction of new members into IPI Nigeria, including the Head of Digital and New Media of DAAR Communications PLC, owners and operators of Africa Independent Television AIT, Raypower FM and Faaji Radio, Terverr Tyav. The move is seen as one that would strengthen the group’s network and reinforce its role as a key defender of press freedom in the country.
Overall, the conference did much more than gather stakeholders as it provided a vital forum for assessing the current state of the media in Nigeria, discussing legal and policy reforms, and forging renewed commitments to transparency, accountability, and the safety of journalists.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris assured the gathering that Government is committed to promoting Press freedom
As Nigeria grapples with concerns about shrinking civic space and rising threats to media independence, the launch of the Book of Infamy by IPI Nigeria signals a renewed push, not just to document abuses, but to confront them.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
