Author name: admin

#Eu4DemocracyNg, European Union, EUSDGN II, Press Release, Press Statement, Support to the Media

IPC HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS’ ROUNDTABLE ON THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN DEEPENING DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY: PRESENTS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN PROMISES & LAUNCHES MEDIA AND ELECTION APP

/

PRESS RELEASE IPC HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS’ ROUNDTABLE ON THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN DEEPENING DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY: PRESENTS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN PROMISES & LAUNCHES MEDIA AND ELECTION APP For Immediate Release: Monday, June 19, 2023 80 delegates will converge for a one-day engagement on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, to delve into the role of the media in deepening democratic governance in Nigeria. The roundtable will feature a lead presentation by Dr. Otive Igbuzor, founding Executive Director of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) on “Beyond The Rhetoric Of Campaigns: The Role Of Citizens and The Media In Ensuring Democratic Accountability”, which will be followed by contributions by a lead discussant and a plenary discourse. The event, to be chaired by Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Senior Fellow at Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and chairman of the editorial board of Premium Times and attended by Mr. Tunde Rahman, Media Aide to the president, as guest participant will additionally spotlight President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promises. The documentation of the promises, which cuts across several development indicators, were part of the benchmarks of IPC’s media monitoring on the coverage of the 2023 electoral processes across ten national print and ten online news mediums. Representatives of the media, the government, CSOs, development partners and international community will share ideas on frameworks and mechanisms ensuring democratic accountability as part of the event. IPC shall also launch its recently developed IOS and Media Election App through which hundreds of  journalists and other media professionals, the academia, researchers, etc., would be able to download the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage and have easy access to the content. The European Union funded resource publication has been widely endorsed and over 20,000 copies have been distributed across the Country. In a statement, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “ IPC have been supporting the media for more than a decade for the purpose of professionalism in the coverage of the democratic processes and elections and it is expected that this event would lead to the development of collaborative strategies for greater impact”. “The gathering is also important because the fulfillment of campaign promises is at the core of democratic accountability”, he added. The meeting is facilitated by the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria implementing partner with the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) within component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase II (EUSDGN II) project. The specific objective of the EU funded media component is to ensure that, “The Media, including New and Social Media, provides fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of the Electoral Process”. SGD: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer Component 4 (Support to Media) EUSDGN II Project tayoade@ipcng.org

#PressFreedom, end impunity, Freedom of Expression, Media freedom, Press Release, Press Statement

Press Statement

/

IPC CONDEMNS ATTACK ON RADIO KOGI FACILITIES; CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION For immediate release, June 8, 2023 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria demands thorough investigation into the recent attack on the facilities of the sub-broadcasting station of Kogi state radio, also known as Radio Kogi in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state. Report reaching IPC Safety Alert Desk reveals that the broadcasting station was attacked by suspected vandals who destroyed property and carted away valuable equipment worth a fortune from the facilities on Monday, June 5, 2023. The Kogi State NUJ Chairman, Mr. Adeiza Momoh who confirmed the unfortunate incident said it seemed like a coordinated attack by vandals. He also appealed to the government to carry out necessary investigations. IPC totally condemns this unacceptable act by suspected vandals and  calls on the Kogi State Government, especially the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation so that the perpetrators can have their day before the law. IPC also appeals to the State Government to support the media outfit by providing alternative equipment to keep the station in operation. IPC equally enjoins the state government to provide adequate security for all media outfits in the state. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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

PRESS RELEASE

/

IPC DECRIES THREATS ON JOURNALIST RUKAYYAH JIBIA’S LIFE For immediate release, May 27, 2023 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria is greatly concerned about reported threats on the life of Katsina-based journalist, Rukayyah Jibia who works with Tambarin Hausa Television in Katsina. Narrating her ordeal in a telephone interview with DAILY NIGERIAN, Ms. Jibia said, “On May 21st, I posted a video on my person TikTok handle where I criticized the way and manner in which some ladies were paraded by the police for alleged prostitution. I suggested to them to always allow the court to pronounce accused persons guilty before they are paraded before the press.” “The next day after posting the video, I received a call from the Katsina State Police Command public relations officer, Gambo Isah, asking me to report to the Emir’s palace.” “I was on my way to the Emir’s palace, when the police blocked my way and stopped my vehicle. I didn’t know they were on my trail. They came with about four vehicles and one Hilux. There were about 21 policemen. So, when the incident happened, I was on the phone with my colleague, Jamil, and I explained the situation to him.” “I told him if I go missing, the police should be held responsible, but they forcefully grabbed and twisted my hands to collect the phone and smashed it on the ground. In the process, I sustained a minor injury.” Ms. Jabia who is currently on the run stated that she was arraigned before a Sharia Court on the 23rd of May, 2023, but fortunately the Khadi was not on seat because the court had closed before they arrived. She was later taken to the area commander and secured bail after spending five hours. IPC is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Rukayyah Jibia and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that she is not harmed in any way. IPC enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the alleged action by the journalist to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. IPC therefore appeals to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for her safety, as she is currently hiding because her life is in danger. IPC again calls for an end to the harassment and arrests of journalists so that Nigeria can qualify to be described as a democratic country where the rule of law is not ignored. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

#PressFreedom, #WorldPressFreedomDay, Media freedom, Press Freedom, Press Release, Press Statement

Press Statement

/

WPFD 2023: IPC ESTABLISHES CENTRE ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS, LAMENTS INCREASING ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS/MEDIA For immediate release, May 3rd, 2023 To further address the growing spate of attacks on journalists and the threats on media freedom in Nigeria, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has announced that it is establishing a Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalist (CSFPJ), as part of its unique activities to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2023. A statement by Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s Executive Director, Melody Lawal has been appointed has the Centre Coordinator, with the task of positioning the CSFPJ to strategically coordinate initiatives to respond to the challenge of addressing the worsening state of the safety of journalists and Press freedom in Nigeria. According to Mrs. Lawal, an indication of the deteriorating Press freedom situation was the fact that the year 2022 witnessed more attacks on journalists and the media than the previous year. Unlike 2021 when forty-one (41) attacks were documented, the IPC Safety of Journalists Alert Desk recorded sixty-six (66) attacks in 2022 with the perpetrators including law enforcement and security agents; political thugs and hoodlums; unknown gunmen, among others. The breakdown shows that four (4) attacks were recorded in the North West, sixteen (16) in the North Central, six (6) in the North East, twenty-six (26) in the South West, four (4) in the South East and ten (10) in the South South. The types of attacks include physical assault, abduction, gun attack, threat to life, denial of access to information, unlawful arrest and detention, harassment, threat to sanction and payment of fine, with twenty-six (26) broadcast journalists, thirteen (13) print journalists and twenty-four (24) online journalists among those affected. In terms of gender, fifty-six (56) male journalists and ten (10) female journalists suffered one form of molestation or the other. According to the statement by IPC, full details of the attacks and the modus operandi of the new Centre on the Safety of Journalists will be unveiled at a media roundtable organised by IPC in partnership with the West Zone of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at Ibadan, Oyo State. The roundtable, slated for Friday, May 5, 2023 shall have Professor Tokunbo Adaja, Dean College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), giving the keynote address on ‘Protecting Freedom of Expression in the Age of Misinformation & Disinformation’. The event, which will be attended by editors, journalists and other media professionals and leaders of the NUJ is expected to exhaustively discuss the press freedom situation in the country and make recommendations on how the deteriorating situation can be checked. SGD: Melody Lawal, Coordinator, Centre on Safety of Journalists IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

#Eu4DemocracyNg, 2023 Elections, EUSDGN II, Nigeria Elections, Press Release, Press Statement

PRESS STATEMENT – IPC CONGRATULATES ELECTED FEMALE CANDIDATES, URGES LOSERS NOT TO DESPAIR

/

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria felicitates all elected female candidates following the recently concluded general elections. IPC especially congratulates four of the elected female lawmakers who were part of the 45 female candidates whose skills were enhanced during a two-day capacity building on strategic communication and media use ahead 2023 elections under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase II (EUSDGN II) project. The capacity building sessions, which were held December 2022, at Osogbo and Port-Harcourt respectively were part of the activities under Component 4 (Support to Media) implemented by IPC. Hon. Fakunle Iyabo Okieimen (Ekiti State House of Assembly); Hon. Maryam Ogunlade (Ekiti State House of Assembly); Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim (Cross River State House of Assembly) and Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba (Bayelsa State House of Assembly) are the distinguished four who were recipients of IPCs capacity building for female candidates prior to the elections. While noting that the knowledge gained were life-long skills which were generally and particularly useful in advancing the electoral aspirations of the female candidates, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “we are indeed elated and rejoice with all the female candidates who emerged victorious in the recently concluded elections, especially those who went through our capacity building programme before the elections.” “It also gladdens our heart that there is a marginal increase in the number of women elected into office at the sub-national parliamentary level, compared to the 2019 elections. This is an indication that concerted efforts at positioning more women in political office has yielded results and this should be sustained, moreso as women play important roles in the strengthening of democracy”, Arogundade added. He therefore charged the elected female lawmakers to ensure that they make a difference by sponsoring or supporting motions and bills that will promote inclusive governance so that women, youths, persons with disabilities and rural dwellers can feel the positive effects of democracy. On the female candidates who did not succeed at the polls, Mr. Arogundade advised them not to be discouraged stating that the future would be bright as awareness is growing on the benefits of increased female participation in politics and governance. According to him, IPC will continue to partner with both the elected and non-elected female politicians on the promotion of inclusive governance in Nigeria. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Programme Officer Component 4 (Support to media) EUSDGN II Project

Media Monitoring, News, Opportunities for Journalists, Vacancies

VACANCY: MEDIA MONITOR

/

The International Press Centre (IPC), lead implementing partner of component 4 of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN 11) requests application from suitably qualified applicant for ‘media monitor’ for its Print/online Media Monitoring activity. About the media monitoring activity: The monitoring activity would entail the survey/assessment and analysis of 10 newspapers/online news mediums on the trend of reportage of political, electoral and democratic governance issues. This call is a replacement for one (1) media monitor only, to complement the task of other media monitors already engaged for the media monitoring tasks. All applications would go through a review process and the successful applicant shall be engaged, with tasks entailing surveying, assessing and analysing the trend in media coverage of the POST 2023 elections and democratic governance issues across the 10 newspapers over a 12-month period. The monitor shall also assess the newspapers using specially-developed monitoring codes and indices on the trend of media coverage of women, PWDs, Youths, the non-usage of hate speech as well as conflict sensitive reporting, the campaign promises of presidential aspirants as well as tracking and fact-checking fake news, as may be applicable. Job Requirements: Education: A minimum of a University Degree or Higher National Diploma in any discipline. Qualities:                                                                          Interest in and understanding of news and media reports Good understanding of governance, political and electoral issues Excellent analytical and writing skills. Proficiency is use of MS Word and Excel Proficiency in English language (speaking & writing). Interest and ability to combine offline/online task and social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. Submission/Deadline: Interested candidates should kindly send a copy of their detailed CV with a cover letter to: info@ipcng.org on/before Friday March 31, 2023. The applications shall be reviewed and shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Signed: Media Monitoring Recruitment Committee, IPC, LAGOS. (March 28, 2023)

#Eu4DemocracyNg, #PressFreedom, 2023 Elections, Elections, end impunity, EUSDGN II, Press Freedom, Press Release

Press Release

/

IPC CONDEMNS ELECTION-DAY ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS IN RIVERS, OGUN AND LAGOS, DEMANDS INVESTIGATION For immediate release, March 18, 2023 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos is highly disturbed by the reported incidents of attacks on journalists and other media professionals covering the today’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in some parts of the country including Lagos, Ogun and Rivers States. IPC’s JOURNALISTS’ -ELECTION-DAY-SAFETY-ALERT-DESK has confirmed that AIT Reporters and cameramen including Henrietta Oke, Amarachi Amushie and Nkiru Nwokedi were molested and prevented from covering the elections at some polling units in Eti-Osa, Ifako-Ijaiye and Amuwo Odofin local government areas by political thugs and hoodlums. Journalist Nwokedi temporarily lost her phone before it was recovered with the help of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) men while Journalist Amushie was rough handled, her camera damaged and the cameraman beaten in the presence of a political chieftain. The Alert Desk also established that Arise TV News crew comprising Reporter Oba Adeoye, Cameraman Opeyemi Adenihun and driver Yusuf Hassan was attacked while covering voting in Elegushi area of Lagos. “The cameraman, Opeyemi Adenihun suffered facial injuries while drones and equipment were seized” according to the news medium. In Ogun State, News Agency of Nigeria’s reporter, Adejoke Adeleye, was among journalists molested in Itori Odo Area of Abeokuta South Local government where they faced mob attack by political thugs who equally reportedly assaulted INEC officials with axes and allegedly destroyed ballot boxes. The details also include the denial of access to journalists who tried to capture voting in the polling unit of PDP Governorship candidate in Rivers State by some “overzealous police officers”. “The policemen refused passage despite the proof of identity provided by the journalists” the report from Rivers stated IPC strongly condemns these unacceptable attacks which constitute both the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected journalists and media workers and major assault on press freedom. “Following the attacks on journalists during the presidential and national Assembly elections on February 25, we had called on the Police, the Political Parties and all concerned to take measures to protect them today. It is therefore worrisome that such attacks have been repeated”, the Press Freedom and Safety Alert Desk Officer of IPC, Melody Lawal said in a statement. Mrs. Lawal charged the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the various attacks and ensure that the perpetrators face the consequences of their illegal and actions. SGD: Melody Lawal Press Freedom. Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

#Eu4DemocracyNg, 2023 Elections, Press Release

Press Release
MEDIA COVERAGE OF GUBERNATORIAL & HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS: IPC ADMONISHES JOURNALISTS TO ADHERE TO SAFETY & PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY

/

For immediate release, Thursday March 16th, 2023. As the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections holds on Saturday, 18th March, 2023 the International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, has urged journalists to adhere to the guidelines contained in the IPC safety and professional advisory, which is aimed at ensuring the safety of journalists in the course of covering and reporting the elections. This is sequel to the update of the advisory which was launched prior to the Presidential and National Assembly elections. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said in a statement that the advisory which has been updated after the Presidential elections became imperative in light of the critical role that the media plays during electioneering processes and the growing concerns over journalists’ safety during elections. Mr. Arogundade noted that it is very important for journalists covering the elections to be guided by the existing ethics of professional coverage of the elections as well as to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, especially to avoid situations that will put them in harm’s way. “It is against this background that the advisory has been updated to a better readable and easier downloadable format which is divided into two parts – Safety and Ethics/Professionalism”, Arogundade said. “The advisory is for the purpose of ensuring journalists who are covering the elections are fully equipped with safety tools and precautions to engage with while on the field. The overall goal is to provide guidelines and practical advice for journalists so they may not become victims or targets of harassment or attack”, Arogundade added. The advisory also includes statements on the necessity for journalists to remain non-partisan; to maintain integrity as well as being conscious and aware of suspicious movements around them and those suspect they are being followed should immediately alert their newsrooms and other close contacts, among other provisions. Arogundade also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake the performance of their tasks in a civil and responsible manner. The details of the advisory can be accessed at SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org +2348132776441

#Eu4DemocracyNg, 2023 Elections, Communique, Elections Monitoring, European Union, EUSDGN II

Communique

/

Issued at the end of a One-Day Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the Media Monitoring Report on Trends in Coverage of 2023 Electoral Process, held on Wednesday March 8, 2023 at Echelon Heights Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Preamble The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, the lead implementing partner of Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, convened a one-day stakeholders’ roundtable on the outcome of the media monitoring report on the trends in coverage of 2023 electoral process (January 2023) on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The roundtable brought together media stakeholders to analyse the issues arising from the trends in reportage of 15 print/online newspapers and observation on the activities on INEC website/twitter platform for the period January 2023. The roundtable also addressed related issues of media coverage of the 2023 electoral process, especially ahead of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections following which the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage and the Safety Advisory on the Coverage of Elections were also presented and discussed. The roundtable was attended by the leadership of media professional bodies/associations; reporters from the print, broadcast and online mediums and representatives of the academia and the civil society.  Those in attendance and who delivered goodwill remarks and presentations included Mrs. Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter and Comrade Job Stanley, Chairman of Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who also doubled as a discussant of the expert review by Dr. Dike Harcourt Whyte of Rivers State University. The other discussant was Mrs. Emem Okon, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre. IPC’s Communication Officer, Ms. Olutoyin Ayoade, delivered the welcome remarks while the Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade made a presentation on the Conflict Sensitivity and Safety Consciousness in the context of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. Observations: Following the presentations, the participants observed that: Recommendations: In line with the requirements of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage and other regulatory frameworks like the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the IPC Safety Advisory, the participants recommended that journalists and other media professionals should in the aftermath of the presidential and National Assembly elections and ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections strive to: Finally, the participants called on the government, the law enforcement and security agents, the political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission and media proprietors to ensure that they provide the enabling environment for journalists to professionally report the electoral processes and elections. SGD:                                                                                                                         Melody Akinjiyan                                                                                       Press Freedom/Project Officer, IPC   melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org                                                                            

Scroll to Top