The opening ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the occasion, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. Mojeed urged the government to review laws that enable abuse of journalists, particularly outdated criminal defamation and cybercrime provisions, and to address the culture of impunity in the country.
“There are too many centres of power routinely deploying state powers against journalists without consequences,” Mojeed said. “When crimes against journalists go unpunished, the message is dangerous—that silencing the press is acceptable. Journalism is a tough, risky, and selfless public service. At the very least, journalists deserve respect and protection. Any further attack will be fiercely resisted going forward.”
Mojeed highlighted Nigeria’s decline in global press freedom, noting the country fell ten places in the 2025 ranking, from 112 to 122, due to consistent repression across states, platforms, and newsrooms. “Journalists are monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested. Media houses are shut down for political reasons, investigative journalists face intimidation, and online reporters are often targeted under cybercrime laws,” he said.
He cited specific examples, including the closure of four broadcast stations in Zamfara for airing an opposition rally, and the abduction of investigative journalist Segun Olatunji, who was blindfolded, chained, and transported hundreds of kilometres from his base. In August 2024 alone, at least 56 journalists were assaulted or arrested while covering protests.
Mojeed urged journalists to act in solidarity across states. “When a journalist is arrested in Kano, colleagues in Akwa Ibom must care. When a newsroom is attacked in Niger State, reporters in Lagos must speak out. Solidarity is our greatest line of defence. Independent journalism is the lifeblood of democracy.”
He called on the federal government to direct state governors, security agencies, and public officials to halt harassment of journalists, and to establish functional protection mechanisms for media practitioners.
Mojeed also paid tribute to the late Rafat Salami, a former IPI Nigeria treasurer, praising her dedication to journalism despite severe illness. To honour her legacy, IPI Nigeria will endow a prize in her name at the University of Abuja to inspire young journalists with her values of integrity, courage, and selfless service.
