THE INTERNATIONAL Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has unveiled a list of distinguished media professionals appointed to its standing committees to advance press freedom and ethical journalism in the country.
The newly constituted committees – Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership – comprise industry veterans tasked with driving strategic initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s media landscape.
Among the notable appointees are Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Malam Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity; Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE); Mr. Emma Agu, ex-Managing Director of Champion Newspapers; and Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
A statement signed by Ahmed I. Shekarau, Secretary, IPI Nigeria, quoted IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, as stressing that the committees’ reconstitution underscores the organization’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom and fostering responsible journalism.
“These appointments bring together experienced professionals whose expertise will drive IPI Nigeria’s mission forward,” Mojeed stated.
The committees are expected to commence work immediately, with a focus on strategic interventions to uphold media integrity in Nigeria.
Committee Leadership and Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Committee
Chair: Funke Egbemode
Secretary: Yusuf Alli (Managing Editor, Northern Operations, The Nation)
Members: Mohammed Idris, Juliet Bumah (New Telegraph), Garba Shehu, Ken Ugbechie (Political Economist), Victoria Ibanga (The Next Edition), Olufunke Fadugba (PenPushing Media), and Gbemiga Ogunleye.
Role: Overseeing fundraising efforts to sustain IPI Nigeria’s programs.
Programming Committee
Chair: Oladotun Oladipo (CEO, The Eagle Online)
Secretary: Hajia Sani (Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria)
Members: Zainab Okino (Blueprint), Dayo Aiyetan (ICIR), Catherine Agbo (21st Century Chronicle), Emma Agu, and Ahmed Shekarau (Media Trust Group).
Role: Designing initiatives aligned with IPI Nigeria’s objectives.
Advocacy Committee
Chair: Tobi Soniyi (Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria)
Secretary: Ochiaka Ugwu (Peoples Daily)
Members: Sule Ya’u Sule (Bayero University), Danlami Nmodu (Newsdiaryonline), Laide Abbas (NTA), David Ajikobi (Africa Check), and Fred Ohwahwa (Tokee Consult).
Role: Leading advocacy for press freedom and engaging policymakers.
Membership Committee
Chair: Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu (Bayero University)
Secretary: Linda Kpum (IPI Nigeria)
Members: Fidelis Mbah (Al Jazeera), Naziru Abubakar (University of Westminster), and Bolanle Ismail (Crescent University).
Role: Expanding membership and enhancing engagement.
