The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has named new members to its standing committees, including minister of information, Mohammed Idris, and Garba Shehu.

 IPI Nigeria president, Musikilu Mojeed, announced the appointments in a statement issued by the institute’s Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, on Sunday in Abuja.

The committees – fundraising, programming, advocacy, and membership – comprise experienced media professionals selected to drive IPI’s core objectives in Nigeria.

Mr Mojeed said the move aims to strengthen press freedom and encourage responsible journalism throughout the country.

He stated, “Reconstituting these committees will accelerate efforts to safeguard press freedom and promote ethical journalism practices in Nigeria.”

 The fundraising committee is tasked with coordinating financial support activities for IPI Nigeria’s operations and initiatives.

The programming committee will create and manage content that aligns with the organisation’s mission and goals.

The advocacy committee will guide IPI Nigeria’s policy engagement and public campaigns in support of media freedom. 

The membership committee will handle recruitment, vet applications, and promote active participation among members.

Funke Egbemode, former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), chairs the fundraising committee. Yusuf Alli serves as its secretary.

Other members include Mr Idris, Juliet Bumah, Mr Shehu, and Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist. 

Also appointed are Victoria Ibanga, Olufunke Fadugba, and Gbemiga Ogunleye, a former provost at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. 

Oladotun Oladipo, managing editor of Premium Eagle Ltd, will chair the programming committee. Hajia Sani of Voice of Nigeria is secretary.

Other members include Zainab Okino, Dayo Aiyetan of ICIR, and Catherine Agbo of 21st Century Chronicle.

Emma Agu, former MD of Champion, and Media Trust CEO, Ahmed Shekarau, also joined the programming committee.

Tobi Soniyi, media adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, chairs the advocacy committee. Ochiaka Ugwu of Peoples Daily serves as secretary. 

Additional members include Sule Ya’u Sule, Danlami Nmodu, Laide Abbas of NTA, David Ajikobi, and Fred Ohwahwa.

The membership committee is led by Ruqayyah Aliyu of Bayero University Kano. Linda Kpum of IPI Nigeria is the secretary.

Committee members include IPI Nigeria deputy president Fidelis Mbah, Naziru Abubakar, and Dr Bolanle Ismail of Crescent University.

 (NAN)