From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has been appointed to the Fundraising Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, the move is part of a broader initiative by IPI Nigeria to strengthen press freedom and promote responsible journalism in the country. Idris joins other notable figures such as Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, and Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
The IPI Nigeria committees include Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership, each tasked with specific roles. The Fundraising Committee, chaired by Funke Egbemode, will focus on securing resources for IPI Nigeria’s programmes. Members include Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Juliet Bumah, Garba Shehu, Ken Ugbechie, Victoria Ibanga, Olufunke Fadugba, and Gbemiga Ogunleye.
The Programming Committee, led by Oladotun Oladipo, will develop initiatives aligned with IPI Nigeria’s objectives. Its members are Hajiya Zainab Suleiman Okino, Dayo Aiyetan, Catherine Agbo, Emma Agu, and Ahmed Shekarau.
The Advocacy Committee, chaired by Tobi Soniyi, will promote press freedom and engage with policymakers. Members include Sule Ya’u Sule, Danlami Nmodu, Laide Abbas, David Ajikobi, and Fred Ohwahwa.
The Membership Committee, headed by Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu, will work on expanding membership and enhancing member engagement. Its members are Fidelis Mbah, Naziru Mikailu Abubakar, and Bolanle Ismail.
IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed emphasised that these appointments will accelerate efforts to safeguard press freedom and promote ethical journalism practices in Nigeria.