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IDEI 2023: IPC demands urgent investigations into unresolved killings and attacks on Journalists; calls for commitment to UNESCO’s 3 Ps on safety of journalists especially during off-cycle governorship elections on Nov 11

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Press Release IDEI 2023: IPC demands urgent investigations into unresolved killings and attacks on Journalists; calls for commitment to UNESCO’s 3 Ps on safety of journalists especially during off-cycle governorship elections on Nov 11 For immediate release: Thursday, November 2, 2023 To commemorate this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for urgent but thorough investigations into the documented cases of crimes against journalists so that perpetrators can be held accountable. The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed yearly on November 2nd to pay tribute to journalists killed in the line of duty, and to raise awareness of the dangers of impunity for crimes committed against journalists. Based on UNESCO’s theme for this year’s commemoration – “Violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership” – IPC calls on Nigeria to take the lead in guaranteeing the safety of journalists at elections and while covering other assignments so that the country would not continue to rank poorly on global press freedom indicators. IPC affirms that the threats to journalism and press freedom are alarming on the grounds of the numerous monitored and documented incidents of attacks against journalists which has worsened in the past decade and largely remains judicially unresolved. Among the unsolved killings of journalists in the line of duty in Nigeria are those of Alex Ogbu (Regent Africa Times), Ikechukwu Onubogu, (Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Maxwell Nashan (Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria), Onifade Emmanuel Pelumi (Gboah TV) and Precious Owolabi (Channels TV). In addition, the IPC Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (ICSPJ) this year alone has recorded twenty-nine (29) cases of attacks involving thirty-nine (39) journalists across the country, including attacks on at least 12 journalists covering the February 2023 general elections – the journalists and other media professionals were subjected to harassment and intimidation. The nature of attacks include – Imposition of fine, physical assault, harassment, deleting of pictures, unlawful arrest, detention, intimidation, denial of access to polling unit to cover electoral process, molestation, threat to life, abduction, damage to vehicle, sporadic gunshot and explosion, while Persons/groups allegedly responsible were – NBC, political thugs, military officers, police officers, angry youths, alleged gunmen, security operatives, kidnappers and duty bearers. The Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said: “Frequent attacks on journalists discourages the media from performing its core functions at elections, especially providing credible information to enable the people to make informed choices. He added: “The fight to end the entrenched culture of impunity for crimes against the media, requires a multi-stakeholder approach, this is why IPC along with other media support and media professional groups as well as other stakeholders including the civil society, have for some time spearheaded the campaign for the establishment of a national mechanism for the safety and protection of journalists in Nigeria”. Mr. Arogundade called on the Tinubu administration to take urgent measures to comply with regional and international frameworks on safety journalists, which UNESCO says should revolve around the three Ps of: Prevention, Protection and Prosecution. He enjoined the security and the law enforcement authorities to accord high priority to the safety of the Journalists who would be on duty during the off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States on November 11. Mr. Arogundade however enjoined the journalists to take responsibility for their own safety by adhering to election reporting safety advisory for journalists by IPC and the Nigeria Media Code of Election Coverage. SGD: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org

Information Integrity, News, Nigeria Elections, Press Release

Press Release: Fact-checking & electoral information integrity – IPC embarks on training of journalists in Kogi, Bayelsa & Imo States

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Press ReleaseFact-checking & electoral information integrity – IPC embarks on training of journalists in Kogi, Bayelsa & Imo States For immediate release: Monday October 30, 2023About 80 journalists from the print, electronic and online media in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states have started receiving training on fact-checking to aid the credibility of electoral information as the States set to hold off-cycle governorship election on November 11, 2023. The fact-checking workshops are kick-starting the iVerify project of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria supported by the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP). 27 male and female journalists from Kogi state participated in the first leg of the training in Abuja, FCT, on October 27 and 28, while another 27 from Bayelsa State are currently attending the workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 27 journalists from Imo State will be trained later in the week. The focus of the presentations at the workshops are: The Art of questioning in Journalism & Being Detectives of Misinformation by Mr. Taiwo Obe, founder Journalism Clinic; Fact-checking of information to promote electoral integrity, by Mr. David Ajikobi, Nigerian Editor of Africa Check; Combating Electoral Information Disorder or Fake News – the INEC Experience by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman and The Dangers of Information Disorder or Fake News to Peace Building & Conflict Resolution by Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, Director of Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Addressing the Kogi and Bayelsa participants, Mr. Matthew Alao, Team Lead, Governance, Peace & Security of UNDP Nigeria said electoral disinformation and fake news in general are major threats to the ability of citizens to have the right information during electoral processes and elections, therefore also constituting threats to democracy. IPC’s Programme Manager, Mrs. Stella Nwofia also said the iVerify project is enabling IPC to continue with its mission of promoting good journalism through best practises in ensuring factual accuracy of news. According to her, the objective of the training is to equip the journalists with the requisite skills and knowledge to enhance the integrity of information on the electoral processes in the respective states, especially the campaigns, the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and post-election democratic accountability and governance issues. The workshops are also building the skill of the journalists on how to use fact-checking tools for the purpose of combating the menace of false information during the electioneering period while also introducing them to the workings of the iVerify system and their likely role. Media professional organisations collaborating with IPC on the iVerify project and who nominated some of the participants include the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). Highlights of the workshops can be followed on IPC’s social media channels with the HASHTAG #VerifyBeforeYouShare. E-SignedOlutoyin AyoadeCommunications Officer, IPCtayoade@ipcng.org

Call for Expression of Interest, Workshop

Call for Expression of Interest: Training on Fact-checking of Electoral Information

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The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria calls for applications from interested journalists based in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States to participate in a two-day training workshop on fact-checking and election reporting.  Criteria Journalists who meet the following criteria should apply: How to Apply Journalists who meet the criteria should send their interests, and include two (2) links of their electoral related stories to info@ipcng.org. Applicants should also indicate their Names, Gender,  Age and Media organisation.  Deadline Journalists who meet the criteria above should apply on or before 24th October, 2023.

Call for Expression of Interest

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: VISIBILITY/WORKSHOP MATERIALS

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The International Press Centre (IPC), implementing partner of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP i-verify) project, hereby calls for expression of interest from vendors for the production/supply of workshop material. The supply/production of the workshop material is required by IPC to serve as visibility material for its workshops/capacity-building activities under the i-Verify project. ITEM TO BE SUPPLIED/PRODUCED a.   500 pieces of IPC/UNDP i-Verify branded Tote bags (padded):17 inches in height by 14 inches in width. b.   500 pieces of  IPC/UNDP  i-Verify branded Jotters c.   500 pieces of IPC/UNDP i-Verify branded pens d.   500 pieces of IPC/UNDP  i-Verify  branded T-shirts e.   500 pieces of IPC/UNDP  i-Verify  branded  Fez Caps f.    30 pieces of IPC/UNDP i-Verify  branded Varsity Jackets g.    6   pieces of IPC/UNDP i-Verify  branded Press Jackets SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ·       Each of the items would have an imprint of the approved IPC/UNDP insignia. The dimension of the Tote bag shall be 17 inches in height by 14 inches in width. INFORMATION TO VENDORS/SUBMISSION OF LETTER OF INTEREST i.          Interested vendors should send their notice of interest as a vendor with a proforma invoice for the item bearing in mind the information as provided under the specific requirements for the item. ii.        Vendors should note that IPC is a non-profit making organisation that believes in the concept of value for money, hence the decision of the Procurement Committee, among others, shall be based on the concept of value for money. iii.      Note that payments for successful vendor shall be in the sum of 80% as advance and 20% as balance, based on certification of successful delivery of services/goods. ALL correspondence in respect of theCall FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST should be directed via email to the IPC Procurement Committee at procurement@ipcng.org on/before Friday, October 20, 2023. NOTE TO VENDORS: Sequel to the submission of quotes and summary review by procurement committee, shortlisted vendors shall be invited to an interface where the work sample  (print design or replica samples) of the product or similar works done shall be assessed. The replica products may also be sent virtually. Vendors should note that invitation to the interface session is not an intention of award. Cost of attending the interface or submission of replica samples shall be that of respective vendors. Signed: IPC Procurement Committee. iVerify project.  October 18, 2023.

#PressFreedom, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Information, Media freedom, Press Freedom, Press Release, Press Statement

ICSPJ CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED GRUESOME KILLING OF VETERAN JOURNALIST

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Press Statement       ICSPJ CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED GRUESOME KILLING OF VETERAN JOURNALIST For immediate release, September 21, 2023 IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is dismayed over the alleged gruesome killing of Hamisu Danjibga, a veteran radio reporter in Zamfara State who was found dead in a soak away pit in his house, Wednesday, September 20, 2023. The veteran journalist before he met the sad fate, worked with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for several years. He spent over three decades as a reporter and was declared missing three days before his corpse was found. Report published on Premium Times website states that, “the discovery of his corpse was a result of an unpleasant odour observed by Islamiyah children in the evening of Wednesday who drew the attention of their teachers.” “After breaking the soak away, the body was confirmed to be that of Danjibga by his family and some neighbours”, the report further revealed. IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade described the circumstances of Journalist Danjibga’s death as bizarre, considering that the family had raised an alarm that he was missing three days, before his corpse was eventually found in a soak away pit in his house. “We urge security agencies to carry out immediate and thorough investigations to unravel the mystery surrounding his death. This will go a long way to bring succour to the family and colleagues that Hamisu Danjibga left behind”, Arogundade said. IPC condoles with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

#PressFreedom, end impunity, Press Freedom, Press Release, Press Statement

KANO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL: I-CSPJ FROWNS AT POLICE ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS

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Press Statement KANO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL: I-CSPJ FROWNS AT POLICE ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS For immediate release, September 20, 2023 IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is extremely dismayed by the reported police attack on some journalists who were in the court to cover the sitting of the Kano Governorship Election petition tribunal, today Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Among the attacked journalists were Salim Umar Ibrahim of Daily Trust and BBC Hausa Reporter, Zahraddeen Lawal. Report from Salim Ibrahim of Daily Trust states that, “the Police who were on duty asked the journalists to move 10 meters away from the Court premises and in the process, some of them pounced on them, alleging that they were taking pictures.” “While some went after BBC reporter trying to seize his phone, others held Salim Ibrahim of Daily Trust and forcefully collected his phone, damaging the screen,” the report further stated. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said, “The unwarranted attacks on journalists on legitimate duty is dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom. Such act violates the fundamental human rights of the journalists”.  We urge the men of the Nigerian Police Force to be mindful of actions they take against journalists and not continually create an environment where journalists would be afraid to work and discharge their duties effectively and efficiently. I-CSPJ therefore calls on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to take adequate and swift measures to bring to book those who assaulted the journalists while putting in place machinery to compensate the affected journalists for this inhumane treatment. We also call on the Nigeria Police Force to step up the training of its officers to be more respectful and courteous in relating with journalists and other media professionals. They should be reminded constantly that the primary responsibility of the Police is the protection of citizens including journalists. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, I-CSPJ melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

News, Nigeria Elections, Opportunities for Journalists, Vacancies

JOB VACANCY: Fact Checkers

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JOB TITLE: Fact CheckersLOCATION: Lagos, NigeriaSTART DATE: October 2023APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 20, 2023 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria calls for applications from fact-checkers to undertake a fact-checking and information integrity project scheduled to begin in October 2023. The project aims to strengthen national capacities to prevent and mitigate threats to the integrity of information through a verification mechanism that identifies false information, prevents and mitigate its spread. The fack-checking activity and other related activity component, is supported by the UNDP. Under the project, a 3-member fact-checking team shall be tasked with the primary responsibility of monitoring, researching, generating fact checked reports and reporting cases of misinformation/ disinformation concentrating on a range of electoral and democratic governance issues, including the upcoming gubernatorial elections. Applicants who have previous work experience are encouraged to apply, however, training would be provided prior to the role commencement. RESPONSIBILITIESThe ideal candidates would be expected to work under the supervision of the project leadership. The candidates will also be expected to work with other members of the project team and report to the editorial supervisor carrying out the following roles:• Monitor the news and generate fact-checked reports to keep the fact checking website active and relevant• Research and evaluate election-related sources, cross-referencing information to ensure the accuracy of the details.• Verify the accuracy of electoral-related contents and information across a variety of written materials such as news articles, social media and other publications• Source reliable and accurate data on the elections and processes from a variety of sources• Analyse trends and patterns in election-related data• Evaluate the reliability of election-related facts and figures• Identify trends, inconsistencies and discrepancies in election-related data• Provide recommendations for improvement• Ensure fact checked content is accurate and up-to-date SKILLS• Proficiency in English language• Strong research, analytical and IT skills• Strong report writing skills• Proficiency in Microsoft Office• Ability to work with a team and independently• High level of accuracy• Ability to verify information quickly• Ability to interpret and analyse data• Strong attention to detail• Strong writing and communication skills• Ability to work to tight deadlines QUALIFICATIONS:Candidates should possess a minimum of HND/bachelor’s degree. HOW TO APPLYCandidates who meet the job requirements should send their CV and Cover Letter demonstrating how they meet the job specifications to info@ipcng.org.Deadline for application submissions is Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Sequel to the review of applications received shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

#PressFreedom, Freedom of Expression, Media freedom, Press Freedom, Press Release, Press Statement, Safety of journalists

Press Release

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CLOSURE OF AIT & RAYPOWER FM OPERATIONS IN PORT HARCOURT, WORRISOME, UNACCEPTABLE SAYS I-CSPJ……..DEMANDS SAFETY OF VETERAN JOURNALIST For immediate release, September 4, 2023 IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists(I-CSPJ) is very concerned by the recent closure of Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM operations in Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Government and deems the action unacceptable and a violation of the rule of law. The media organisation on its official page on Sunday, 3rd September, 2023, announced that the State Government shut down its operations through contracted telecommunications engineers accompanied by armed security operatives. “The contractors disconnected the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast. Also, bulldozers were deployed to demolish the Transmitter Complex at DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre,” it said. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said that the closure of the media outlet is another attempt to stifle press freedom in the country warning that the state government should immediately stop actions towards that course. “The Rivers State Government should come open with any grievance it may have against AIT/Raypower in the State and refrain from further arbitrary self-help like the demolition”, he said. Arogundade advised the Rivers State Government to allow AIT and Raypower FM to continue its operations and seek legal redress if it believes the media outfits have committed any offence. … Stop threat on veteran journalist Ikem Okuhu’s life The IPC Executive Director has also decried the reported threat on the life of veteran journalist, Ikem Okuhu, who was on Friday, August 25, 2023 accosted by two men who introduced themselves as officers of the Nigerian Police, Enugu State Command at the burial of the father-in-law of his younger brother at Umabor, Eha Alumona Nsukka. Giving details of what happened during a press briefing in Lagos, Okuhu said: “I was at Umabor for the burial of the father-in-law of my younger brother and I had gone out to make a phone call when one of these people walked up to me and started a casual conversation, but soon said he had an order to bring me to Enugu. He said he was a police officer and that somebody had written a petition against me. My inquiry as regards who wrote the petition and what the issue was about did not yield anything, as he was soon joined by another man who also claimed he was a policeman. When I asked them for identification, they refused and instead, tried to herd me to their vehicle.” I-CSPJ is deeply worried about the situation of veteran journalist Ikem Okuhu and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that he is not harmed in any way. I-CSPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the reports by the journalist to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org +2348132776441

Press Release, Press Statement

PRESS RELEASE – AS PROF LAI OSO IS LAID TO REST TODAY, IPC LAUDS HIS INDELIBLE LANDMARK

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For Immediate Release: Friday, July 14, 2023. The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has said the enormous contributions of late Prof. Lai Oso to the development of Communication and Mass Media in Nigeria shall stand as monuments to his memory as his remains are buried today, Friday July 14, 2023, in Sagamu, Ogun State-Nigeria. Prof. Oso was a Professor at the School of Communications and Media Studies, Lagos State University and had previously served as the Dean of the school between 2011 and 2015. He was also the pioneer President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN). Among others, Prof. Oso taught media and communications at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, and the Lagos State University, Ojoo. The late Prof. Oso was a close friend and associate of the International Press Centre (IPC) for which he served as resource person and adviser for close to two decades. Notably, he featured as the lead speaker at a media tweet conference with the theme: “2015 Elections: Addressing fair and equitable media access for parties and candidates” during the 2015 general elections. Prof. Oso was also instrumental to creating awareness about IPC’s library and resources as he regularly referred undergraduate and postgraduate students to the organisation for research materials on media independence, press freedom, access to information, role of the media in democracy, among others. In a statement, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “Professor Oso was a scholar who encouraged others to become scholars. He constantly explored new frontiers of knowledge and was never tired of writing. The last time we spoke, he requested for a chapter in the book: State of the Media in Nigeria 1996 published when I was the Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists. Behold he wrote the first chapter titled: Journalism and Social Responsibility: Between Objectivity and Advocacy. Apparently, he needed the chapter for another research work he was undertaking”. “It was his thirst for research that made him extremely knowledgeable in different areas of Mass Media and communication”, Mr. Arogundade added. With numerous publications in several journals, Prof. Oso was highly respected in academic, media and communication circles for his expertise and dedication. IPC prays for the repose of his soul and once again commiserates with the family, friends and colleagues. SGD: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos -Nigeria info@ipcng.org  

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