Press Release

Press Release

IPC Congratulates Ms. Anikeade Funke-Treasure on International Recognition for “Voice of Dignity” For immediate release, October 11, 2025 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, heartily congratulates Ms. Anikeade Funke-Treasure, a distinguished member of the IPC Board, for being honoured with an Award Plaque for the “Voice of Dignity” by the Heroes of Tomorrows Africa Foundation (HOTAF) in the United States of America. This remarkable recognition is a well-deserved testament to Ms. Funke-Treasure’s unwavering commitment to amplifying voices, promoting dignity, and advancing ethical journalism and impactful storytelling both within and beyond Nigeria’s media landscape. As a seasoned broadcaster, media development expert, and advocate for gender inclusion, Ms. Funke-Treasure has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership, and dedication to societal transformation through the media. Her achievement inspires not only the staff and management of IPC but also a generation of journalists and media practitioners striving to make a meaningful difference. “The IPC Board and Management are proud to be associated with Ms. Funke-Treasure’s accomplishments and celebrate this international honour with immense joy and admiration”, stated Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s Executive Director and Board Secretary. We urge her to continue to blaze the trail, mentor younger professionals, and champion the values of dignity, justice, and excellence for which she is being recognized. SGD:Melody Akinjiyanmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.orgProg. Officer, International Press Centre (IPC)

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Press Release

IPC Calls for Immediate Probe and Justice following Death of Arise News Anchor, Somtochukwu MaduagwuFor Immediate ReleaseLagos, Nigeria – September 30, 2025The International Press Centre (IPC) is deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise News Channel, who died following an attack by an armed gang in Abuja on September 29, 2025.According to reports aired on Arise News Daybreak, the incident occurred around 3:00 AM at Unique Apartments in Katampe, FCT. Attackers, reportedly numbering up to fifteen, stormed all 16 apartments within the compound. Security personnel alerted the police but received no response. Ms. Maduagwu was rushed to Maitama District Hospital, where she later died.The report notes that relatives said she died due to delayed treatment, as hospital staff refused care until her identification was presented. This tragic event highlights serious failures in Nigeria’s healthcare and emergency response systems.In a statement, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, expressed deep sorrow over the incident:“We are deeply saddened by the death of journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, and we demand a thorough, independent investigation, as well as the prompt prosecution of the perpetrators.”He further emphasized the broader implications of inaction:“Failure to conclude the investigation and bring those responsible to justice creates a dangerous environment for citizens and media professionals alike, while fostering a culture of impunity that threatens press freedom and democratic accountability.”This tragedy adds to ongoing threats against journalists in Nigeria. IPC recently condemned the death of Peter Ojo, an Ibadan-based journalist who was killed in August 2025.IPC’s 2024 report recorded 45 attacks on journalists and 3 on media outlets, with many cases unresolved. Between 1992 and 2024, at least 22 journalists have died under suspicious circumstances, with no conclusive investigations.IPC calls on:• The Nigeria Police Force and FCT Command to urgently conduct and publicly communicate the results of a thorough, independent investigation.• The Federal Government to take immediate action to reform emergency and healthcare systems that fail victims in moments of need.• Hospital authorities to provide a public explanation regarding the delay in treatment of Somtochukwu and take steps to ensure such tragic lapses never recur.• Media bodies, professional groups, civil society organisations, and media practitioners to jointly demand accountability and justice for all victims of violence, and to stand united in the fight against impunity.• The Federal Government to investigate all unresolved cases of violence and killings linked to the media, in line with Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and of the press, as well as Nigeria’s commitments under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.IPC extends its deepest condolences to Ms. Maduagwu’s family, the chairman and management of Arise News, her colleagues, and all who knew her.SGDOlutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerInternational Press Centretayoade@ipcng.org

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Press Statement : IPC SPJ-Hub Condemns Unlawful Detention of FIJ’s Senior Reporter & Kano Journalist

For immediate release, September 10, 2025 The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub condemns the unlawful detention of Sodeeq Atanda, a senior reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Ado-Ekiti. Information reaching IPC-SPJ Hub states that, “the Police had summoned Atanda based on a petition by Abayomi Fasina, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), complaining of cyberbullying, blackmail and criminal defamation.” The information further states that, “Atanda was detained at the headquarters of the Ekiti State Police Command for over eight (8) hours, on the orders of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, upon honouring the invitation. He was also subjected to inhumane treatments by the Police officers who forced him to walk barefoot in the premises of the Police headquarters and gave him stringent bail conditions.” The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said, “this action by the Police is clearly an attempt to further stifle press freedom and intimidate journalists reporting issues of public interest.” “The Police should desist from being used by elites to assault, arrest and detain journalists, instead they should uphold the tenets of democracy,” Mr. Arogundade further said. SPJ-Hub is also calling on the Kano State Police Command to desist from intimidating and harassing Abdulaziz Aliyu, a reporter with Waraka Online TV, who has been constantly maltreated and was detained over a publication. Yakubu Salisu, Chairman of the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) confirmed this incident to our Press Freedom Officer, stating that, “Abdulaziz Aliyu was detained over a story he published some months back.” SPJ-Hub reiterates that if the Police have issues with stories published or with the concerned journalists, the right and lawful process should be taken to seek redress instead of constant self-help. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, SPJ-Hubmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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Press Release

IPC SPJ-Hub CONDEMNS THE GRUESOME KILLING OF IBADAN – BASED JOURNALIST; DEMANDS FURTHER INVESTIGATION For immediate release September 09, 2025 The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of Peter Ojo, an Ibadan-based journalist and is demanding further investigation on his death. Information reaching IPC SPJ-Hub states that Peter Ojo was confirmed dead after being shot by suspected armed robbers along the Molete – Oke Ado axis of Ibadan. The report further states that, “the incident, which occurred on August 18, 2025, was initially thought to be health-related until his younger brother, Enahoro Peter, clarified that Ojo was attacked.” The Ibadan-based journalist, before he met the sad fate, worked with Daily Monitor. IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, described this unfortunate loss as a sad one for the media industry, considering the fact that Peter Ojo must have left home in perfect health and looking forward to returning, only to be gunned down in broad daylight. “While we acknowledge the ongoing investigations by the Police, we urge them to examine all possible angles and ensure that justice is served. The suspect in Police custody should be immediately charged to court, while efforts are made to arrest the remaining suspects who were said to have escaped. This will go a long way to bring succour to the family and colleagues that he left behind,” Akinjiyan said. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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PRESS RELEASE

Press Statement SPJ-Hub CONDEMNS INTIMIDATION, HARASSMENT AND DETENTION OF AZUKA OGUJIUBA For immediate release, August 27, 2025 The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub condemns the intimidation, harassment and detention of Azuka Ogujiuba, Publisher of Media Room Hub and a former journalist with This Day Newspapers by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. Information reaching SPJ-Hub confirmed that Azuka Ogujiuba was arrested and detained on two occasions over her coverage of a court case involving a land dispute. Despite being based in Lagos, she has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said, “these actions of intimidation, harassment and detention are highly condemnable and the Police alongside the Federal Government must uphold their responsibility to respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression. The Police must desist from being used to constantly punish journalists who carry out their duties.” “If the Police has anything against Azuka Ogujiuba or if she has committed any crime, the right and lawful step should be taken, not subjecting her to constant harassment,” Arogundade further stated. SPJ-Hub reinforces the need to safeguard press freedom and put a stop to all forms of harassment and intimidation against journalists. SPJ-Hub is therefore calling on the Nigeria Police Force through the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to stop all forms of intimidation and harassment on Azuka Ogujiuba and guarantee her safety. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, SPJ-Hub melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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PRESS STATEMENT – IPC MOURNS THE PASSING OF EVELYN OSAGIE, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, THE NATION NEWSPAPER

IPC MOURNS THE PASSING OF EVELYN OSAGIE, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, THE NATION NEWSPAPER For immediate release, Monday August 18, 2025 It is with deep sorrow that The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria, mourns the untimely passing of Evelyn Osagie who until her demise was a Senior Correspondent with The Nation Newspaper. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. The IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said, “the death of Evelyn Osagie is a huge loss to the journalism community. She was a renowned journalist, who through her inclusive reports amplified the voice of women across board.” IPC noted that her journalism was not just reportage but advocacy – driving conversations and inspiring actions. “We will particularly remember Evelyn for her outstanding contributions at the recent European Union supported IPC and NAWOJ interface in Port Harcourt on creating an enabling newsroom environment for the inclusive reporting of women issues during electoral processes and at elections. She made a number of personal commitments in this regard, while also pledging that her newspaper- The Nation – would be a trailblazer in projecting the voices of female politicians ahead 2027”, Mr. Arogundade stated. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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Communique of Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting on FOI Amendment Bill and Reporting/Compliance Mechanisms

Communique of Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting on FOI Amendment Bill and Reporting/Compliance Mechanisms Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC), in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and YIAGA Africa, with the support of the European Union, convened a two-day stakeholders’ technical session on the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Act Amendment Bills with a view to addressing mechanisms for enhanced reporting and compliance standards. The organisations, as implementing partners for the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Phase II (EU-SDGN II), hosted the meeting on Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the BON Octagon Hotel in Abuja. The event was attended by participants from various stakeholder groups, such as the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, civil society organisations, media professional bodies, media organisations, the legal profession, academic institutions, and others. The EU-SDGNII initiative seeks to promote pluralistic, participatory, and representative democracy in Nigeria through five components that incorporate support for INEC, the National Assembly and Judiciary, the political parties, the civil society, the media, women, youths and persons with disability. One of the expected results of Component 4: Support to media of the initiative of which IPC is the lead implementing partner is to facilitate improved compliance and usage of the FOI Act. The Abuja technical meeting therefore aimed to review the FOI Amendment Bills and create a Position Paper summarising key stakeholders’ input from sectors like media, law, civil society, academia, and government. The objective was to support the effective implementation of the FOI Act to promote transparency in elections and governance. At the opening ceremony, welcome remarks were given by Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, followed by messages from Dr. Akin Akingbulu Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Ms. Nkiru Uzodi (PLAC), and Mr. Godwin Garuba, Head of the FOI unit from the Federal Ministry of Justice, who also represented the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Sessions After the opening ceremony, Mr. Arogundade presented an overview of the Amendment Bills at the first plenary session, followed by Mr. Edetaen Ojo of Media Rights Agenda discussing gaps in the FOI Act and potential amendments to enhance enforcement and compliance. After the presentations, participants discussed key issues and then divided into groups to review the FOI Act section by section, identifying provisions and sections for proposed amendments to the National Assembly. During the plenary session on Day Two, breakout groups shared their recommendations for amending the FOI Act. After a detailed discussion, it was agreed to form a committee of experts to consolidate these recommendations into a position paper. Subsequent presentations discussed the legislative process and implementing meeting recommendations. Mr. Ojo (Media Rights Agenda) and Ms. Uzodi (PLAC) spoke on “Taking the Issues Forward: Engaging the Law-Making Process at the National Assembly”. The technical meeting concluded with participants adopting this communique containing their observations and recommendations: Observations Recommendations Adopted in Abuja, this 29th Day of July 2025. Signed: Dr. Ruqqayah Aliyu, Bayero University Kano         Mr. Lanre Arogundade, International Press Centre For Rapporteurs                                                          For Conveners

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CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A VIRTUAL MEDIA TRAINING PLATFORM

Date of re-issue: July 18, 2025 Deadline for Submission: August 11, 2025 (Extended call). 1. Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), implementing partners of Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) Programme – Phase II, hereby invite qualified service providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the design, development and establishment of a Virtual Media Training Platform. This platform will serve as a digital hub for enhancing the role of the Nigerian media—print, online, and broadcast—in the ethical, professional, issue-focused, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive reporting of Nigeria’s electoral processes. 2. Objective The objective of the platform is to provide a robust, interactive and accessible virtual environmentfor building the capacity of journalists and media professionals on electoral reporting, media ethics, fact-checking, misinformation and democratic governance. The platform should support real-time and self-paced learning formats. 3. Scope of Work The shortlisted service provider will be required to: 4. Eligibility Criteria EOIs are welcome from qualified firms, organisations, or individual consultants with: ·       Proven experience in e-learning platform development and management ·       Capacity to implement secure, scalable virtual solutions tailored to the Nigerian context ·       Technical capability and resources for platform development, hosting, and support. ·       Experience in multimedia content integration, user analytics, and secure platform management. ·       Strong understanding of digital learning trends and best practices. ·       Presentation of a Demo to support capacity to deliver. 5. Submission Requirements Interested parties should submit an application in not more than 5 pages (including relevant links, where applicable) entailing: ·       Summary of company/organisational/individual profile ·       Description of relevant experience and previous similar projects ·       Brief outline of proposed approach to platform development outlining features, tools, and delivery timeline. ·       Sample platform or links to prior work (where available) ·       Contact information 6. Submission Deadline All EOIs must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the email address below by August 11, 2025. Email Subject Line: EOI Submission – Virtual Media Training Platform Submit to: procurement@ipcng.org  and procurement1@cemesong.org 7. General information. The selection team shall be guided by the procurement rules guiding the project. Shortlisted applicants will be invited by the procurement team to submit quotes for provision of the service  and may be requested to submit additional information, or be engaged in relation to adjustments of certain aspects of the services, in line with the value-for-money principles of the EU-SDGN programme. EOIs are restricted to organisations or individuals residing and operating in Nigeria. Disclaimer:Submission of an Expression of Interest does not constitute a guarantee of engagement. IPC and CEMESO reserve the right to accept or reject any submission without assigning any reason. For additional inquiries, please contact:Email: procurement@ipcng.org  and procurement1@cemesong.org

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CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT OF A ONE-STOP VIRTUAL PLATFORM FOR IPC AND CEMESO DIGITAL ASSETS

Date of re-issue: 18th July, 2025 Deadline for Submission: 11th of August 2025 (Extended call) 1. Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), implementing partners of Component 4 – (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, hereby invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified service providers for the design, development, and deployment of a unified One-Stop Virtual Platform. This platform will serve as an integrated digital platform to showcase both organisations’ interventions, provide streamlined access to knowledge products, and consolidate all Component 4’s digital tools, including fact-checking and mis/disinformation tracking resources. 2. Objective To establish a centralised digital hub that enhances visibility, coordination, and effectiveness of digital interventions under Component 4. The platform will serve journalists, media professionals, fact-checkers, and citizens by providing consolidated access to: • Fact-checking tools and activities • Training modules and learning resources • Misinformation/disinformation tracking resources • Relevant media intervention strategies and outputs • Stories, blogs and investigative reports 3. Scope of Work The shortlisted provider will be responsible for:• Designing a responsive and user-friendly web platform for mobile, tablet, and desktop• Integrating existing tools such as HaltFake.org, NDR Fact-Check Menu, and Virtual Training Platform• Creating a dashboard for resource organisation, user access, and tool deployment• Embedding interactive features for reporting misinformation, downloading training kits, and showcasing impact stories• Incorporating user analytics, security protocols, and role-based access management• Ensuring ongoing technical support and maintenance • Implementing data privacy and compliance protocols• Demonstrating platform scalability and interoperability 4. Eligibility Criteria EOIs are welcome from qualified firms, organisations, or individual consultants with:• Proven experience in designing and managing digital knowledge portals or e-learning solutions• Technical expertise in web platform development, fact-checking tech, and dashboard integration• Experience working with media development, governance, or election-related projects in Nigeria or similar contexts• Capacity to deliver within a short timeline. 5. Submission Requirements Interested parties must submit a concise proposal (maximum 3 pages), including:• Company/organisational/individual profile• Description of similar past projects (with links where applicable)• Overview of proposed design and implementation strategy• Timeline for execution• Technical infrastructure and sustainability plan• Demo or access to sample platform(s) developed 6. Submission Deadline All EOIs must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the following email addresses no later than August 11th, 2025. Email Subject Line: EOI Submission – One-Stop Virtual Platform Submit to:  procurement@ipcng.org,  procurement1@cemesong.org 7. General Information EOIs will be evaluated based on technical strength, responsiveness to the eligibility criteria and submission requirements letter above. IPC and CEMESO reserve the right to accept or reject submissions without assigning any reason. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to make a presentation or submit clarifications. The engagement will follow the value-for-money principles of the EU-SDGN programme. EOIs are restricted to organisations or individuals residing and operating in Nigeria. Disclaimer: Submission of an EOI does not constitute a guarantee of contract award. 8. Contact For inquiries, please contact:procurement@ipcng.org and procurement1@cemesong.org

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CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING MODULES FOR A VIRTUAL MEDIA TRAINING PLATFORM

Date of re-issue: 18th July, 2025 Deadline for Submission: 11th of August 2025 (Extended call) 1. Introduction The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), implementing partners of Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme – Phase II, hereby invite qualified consultants—individuals or firms—to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the development of high-quality training modules for a Virtual Media Training Platform. The platform aims to serve as a dynamic digital hub for enhancing media professionalism, particularly in electoral reporting, media ethics, conflict sensitive reporting, fact-checking, countering mis/disinformation, and democratic governance. 2. Objective To develop contextually relevant, multimedia-rich, and professionally structured training modules that are aligned with virtual learning standards and tailored to Nigerian media practitioners’ needs. The modules will support both real-time and self-paced learning experiences on the Virtual Media Training Platform. 3. Scope of Work 4. Eligibility Criteria EOIs are welcome from qualified firms organisations or individual experts with: Demonstrated experience in instructional design, module development, or digital learning content creation. 5. Submission Requirements Interested parties should submit an application not exceeding 5 pages (including relevant links or attachments) comprising: 6. Submission Details All EOIs must be submitted electronically to the email addresses below no later than 11th of August, 2025. Email Subject Line: EOI Submission – Development of training module Submit to:procurement@ipcng.org and procurement1@cemesong.org 7. General Information The selection process will be guided by the procurement principles of value for money, balancing cost, quality, and impact. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit quotes for the provision of the services and to provide further details or undergo additional review stages. EOIs are restricted to organisations or individuals residing and operating in Nigeria. Disclaimer:Submission of an Expression of Interest does not constitute a guarantee of engagement. IPC and CEMESO reserve the right to accept or reject any submission without assigning any reason. 8. Contact For inquiries, please contact:procurement@ipcng.org and procurement1@cemesong.org

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