Press freedom: IPI Nigeria names Idris, Garba Shehu, Egbemode, 26 others to committees

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has announced the appointment of 29 leading media professionals to its reconstituted standing committees aimed at advancing press freedom and strengthening professional journalism across the country.

In a statement signed by Ahmed I. Shekarau, Secretary of IPI Nigeria, the appointments span four core committees: Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership, each tasked with driving key areas of the organisation’s mission.

Prominent appointees include: Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Malam Garba Shehu, former presidential media aide; Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; Mr. Emma Agu, veteran journalist; and Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

According to the statement on Sunday, Musikilu Mojeed, IPI Nigeria President, said the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration, ensure sustainability, and defend press freedom in a challenging media environment.

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“These committees are central to IPI Nigeria’s strategic direction. We’re bringing in seasoned professionals who understand the landscape and can help us navigate and strengthen journalism practice in Nigeria,” Mojeed said.

Committee Leadership and Focus Areas

Mrs. Egbemode will lead the Fundraising Committee, which includes editors and media executives such as Alhaji Yusuf Alli of The Nation and Juliet Bumah of New Telegraph, and is tasked with mobilising resources to support the institute’s initiatives.

The Programming Committee, chaired by Mr. Oladotun Oladipo of The Eagle Online, will oversee the development of impactful programs and initiatives. Members include Hajia Sani of Voice of Nigeria, investigative journalist Dayo Aiyetan, and Emma Agu, former Champion MD.

The Advocacy Committee, led by Tobi Soniyi, Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will coordinate IPI’s policy influence efforts, engaging stakeholders on issues concerning media rights and protections. It features experts such as Fred Ohwahwa, David Ajikobi of Africa Check, and Danlami Nmodu of Newsdiaryonline.

Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu of Bayero University Kano will chair the Membership Committee, which will oversee recruitment and member engagement strategies. Other members include Fidelis Mbah of Al Jazeera, and Naziru Abubakar, a UK-based PhD fellow.

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Strategic Outlook

The reconstitution of the committees comes as Nigeria’s media faces mounting challenges, from threats to journalists’ safety to dwindling revenue models and increased censorship. IPI Nigeria says these appointments reflect a renewed push to consolidate integrity and excellence in the press.

Each committee is expected to report progress in line with defined objectives, with their work feeding directly into IPI Nigeria’s broader agenda of upholding media independence and accountability.