By Rabiu Ibrahim, Vienna
Nigeria has once again taken the lead on the African and global media stage as it prepares to host the inaugural meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute (IPI) — a landmark development in strengthening press freedom and journalistic collaboration across the continent.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, announced Nigeria’s acceptance to host the historic meeting during a strategic engagement held over the weekend in Vienna, Austria, with top IPI leadership.
Present at the meeting were Mr. Marton Gergely, Chairman of the IPI Executive Board; Mr. Scott Griffen, IPI Executive Director; and Mr. Raheem Adedoyin, IPI Executive Board Member representing Nigeria and Africa.
The announcement follows the IPI Executive Board’s approval for the creation of regional blocs of National Committees — a move designed to deepen collaboration, amplify regional voices, and address the unique challenges facing the media in different parts of the world.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, Mallam Idris expressed pride in the country’s leadership role in promoting media freedom and professional excellence.
“Nigeria agrees to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc. It is a great honour for us to lead, as we always do,”
the Minister stated.
He recalled that Nigeria had successfully hosted the IPI World Congress and General Assembly in Abuja in 2018, setting a benchmark for organizational excellence, hospitality, and continental engagement. According to him, the upcoming meeting offers another opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its global media leadership and commitment to press freedom, democracy, and responsible journalism.
While a date for the meeting is yet to be finalized, IPI Executive Director, Mr. Scott Griffen, said the IPI Secretariat in Vienna would collaborate closely with Mr. Raheem Adedoyin and the IPI Nigeria National Committee to determine logistics and planning details.
In his remarks, Mr. Gergely commended Nigeria’s consistent leadership and influence in the global media community, describing the country as “a leading light in democratic governance with a vibrant and free press.”
Mr. Griffen also praised the IPI Nigeria National Committee for its proactive engagement and consistent advocacy for media freedom across Africa, describing the Nigerian chapter as “one of IPI’s most dynamic and inspiring members.”
During his engagements with the IPI leadership, Minister Idris revisited Nigeria’s long-standing partnership with the Institute, calling for renewed assistance to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos — an institution founded by the IPI in 1971 under the presidency of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
He highlighted that the NIJ remains a cornerstone of journalism training in West Africa and noted that its Governing Board is currently chaired by veteran journalist and IPI leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State.
Mallam Idris, himself a prominent member of the IPI community, was a registered participant at the recently concluded IPI World Congress and 75th Anniversary Celebration in Vienna, which gathered global media leaders to deliberate on press freedom, digital transformation, and journalistic innovation.
The Nigerian delegation to the Vienna Congress included:
- Raheem Adedoyin, IPI Executive Board Member;
- Musikilu Mojeed, President, IPI Nigeria;
- Mallam Garba Shehu, former Presidential Spokesman;
- Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Associate Professor and Adviser, Public Communication, JAMB;
- Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State;
- Mr. Steve Ayorinde, CEO, Patrons Media/The Culture Newspaper;
- Professor Abigail Ogwuensi, University of Lagos and Member, IPI Nigeria Board of Trustees; and
- Mr. Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser, IPI Nigeria.
With the forthcoming African bloc meeting, Nigeria is poised to play a central role in defining the future of journalism on the continent, strengthening collaboration among African news organizations, and reinforcing democratic values through a free, fair, and responsible press.
“Nigeria’s acceptance to host this milestone event reflects our government’s unwavering belief in the power of the media as a partner in nation-building, social cohesion, and good governance,”
Idris concluded.
The hosting of the maiden IPI Africa Bloc Meeting once again places Nigeria at the heart of continental dialogue on press freedom, innovation, and media sustainability, reaffirming its position as a global voice for truth, transparency, and accountability.
