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By Correspondent in Abuja.
(C) Premium Times.
The President of International Press Institute Nigeria (IPI Nigeria), Musikilu Mojeed, on Wednesday declared a new era in the defence of journalism in the country with the inauguration of a permanent Press Freedom Hub in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, Mojeed described the facility as a historic milestone for the organisation, which has operated in Nigeria since the 1970s without a permanent headquarters.
“This moment is not just symbolic; it is historic. “For decades, IPI Nigeria functioned without a fixed institutional base. Today, we have a home,a place to convene, safeguard our assets, and transform ideas into concrete actions,”he said.
He explained that the new hub would serve as a centre for advocacy, policy engagement, dialogue, and continuous assessment of press freedom conditions in Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, it also signals a renewed commitment to safeguarding independent journalism and protecting media practitioners.
However, the IPI Nigeria president highlighted growing concerns over violations of press freedom in the country.
He recalled that in December 2025, the organisation listed three public officials in its “Book of Infamy” for actions considered detrimental to media freedom.
Mojeed noted that IPI Nigeria had initially suspended further action, following an appeal by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who sought time to facilitate dialogue and resolution.
“Regrettably, no meaningful corrective action has been taken. The concerns that led to their inclusion remain valid and unresolved,”Mojeed said.
He, therefore, announced the relaunch and escalation of IPI Nigeria’s campaign against individuals accused of undermining press freedom, warning that the organisation would pursue a global accountability drive until tangible steps are taken.
“We do not take this decision lightly. But silence in the face of persistent violations is not an option,”he stated.
Mojeed described the newly inaugurated Press Freedom Hub as more than just a physical structure, calling it “a bold statement” that the struggle for press freedom in Nigeria is entering a more organised, visible, and determined phase.
He called on government institutions, civil society organisations, media professionals, and the international community to collaborate with IPI Nigeria in fostering a free, safe, and independent media landscape.
“With collective effort, we can build a media environment that truly reflects democratic ideals,” he added.
The event marks a significant turning point for IPI Nigeria as it strengthens its institutional capacity and intensifies advocacy for press freedom in Africa’s most populous nation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
