The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has organised a dinner to celebrate and honour one of its members, Mr Raheem Adedoyin, on his re-election on the board of IPI Global.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the contributions of Adedoyin to the journalism profession in Nigeria and abroad.
He said, “This is one gentleman who, despite everything he has done to advance the cause of media freedom in this country, has not really made any noise about it.
“I want to declare here that if you see me at IPI, it is because of Raheem Adedoyin, who is, together with my older brother, the Chairman of Media Trust, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, that insist that we all belong to IPI.”
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The minister admonished media practitioners to practice responsible journalism as the struggle for media freedom continued.
He further said, “This is something that all of us have to come together to fight for. We shouldn’t take it for granted. We shouldn’t think that because we are media practitioners, we will automatically have the freedom that we so desire. But as you demand it, you also have to ensure that you are also responsible.”
In his remarks, the Board Chairman of IPI Nigeria and Chairman of Media Trust Group, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, appreciated all present, reiterating the contributions of IPI Nigeria to the journalism profession in the country.
He said, “The local chapter is fairly strong. It’s able to do training, it’s able to do advocacy, it’s able to fight for press freedom, and journalists who are detained illegally, and it’s able to do this kind of event.
“I would like to thank all of you, especially those who took trouble to come from long distances to be here with Raheem and all of us, and I hope that the journalism profession in Nigeria will continue to grow strong, and that whatever happens we should know that as the Fourth Estate we all have a responsibility to build it and to make sure that it stays for a long time.”
Speaking at the event on how journalists can navigate media freedom amid censorship, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi said professionalism was the key to go around censorship as a media practitioner.
He said, “Respect for the ethics of the profession, being evidence-based, subscription to truth, and of course balance and objectivity; these are central elements that the journalists should easily subscribe to.” In his address, the celebrant, Mr Adedoyin appreciated all and specifically thanked the Minister of Information and Malam Yusuf for their resilience towards his re-election for a second term as board member of IPI Global.
Adedoyin specially thanked the leadership of IPI Nigeria for the wonderful struggle they were pursuing in ensuring press freedom in Nigeria, and as well for being a reference point at IPI Global.
During his welcome address, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed all the attendees as the institute celebrated a global achievement.
Outlining the contributions of Adedoyin, Mojeed said he had tremendously contributed to the journalism profession in Nigeria.
He said, “His tireless efforts to promote press freedom, foster excellence in reporting and support journalists worldwide are a testament to his unwavering commitment to our noble profession.
“Raheem’s dedication to IPI has been instrumental in shaping the global conversation on press freedom and journalism.
“So, before we push him to go represent us abroad, tonight, we come together to express our gratitude for Raheem’s service, passion and unwavering support for a free and independent press. We celebrate his accomplishments and we honour his commitment to the values that we hold dear as journalists.”
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary, IPI Nigeria and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Media Trust Group, Ahmed Shekarau, thanked the information minister for his enormous support to IPI Nigeria; the Chairman, Board of Trustees, IPI Nigeria; and the entire board members for their untiring support towards IPI Nigeria.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included Senator Salihu Mustapha; Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga; Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Tunde Rahman; MD/CEO, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M Ali; and Group Executive Director (Digital), Media Trust Group, Naziru Mikailu.
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