Freedom of Information

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

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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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PRESS RELEASE

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IPC-SPJ DECRIES THREATS ON JOURNALIST TAYO OYELADUN’S LIFE; CONDEMNS INVASION OF JOY FM 96.5 OTUKPOFor immediate release, February 3, 2025The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria is greatly concerned about reported threats on the life of Ibadan-based journalist Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM.According to report reaching the Safety Alert Desk of IPC, Oyeladun made the claim via a save my soul message posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, 30th January, 2023. He noted that the threat was related to a programme he anchored, tagged “Bosenlo” after which the CPS to Soun Ogbomoso reached out to one of his senior colleagues to express his grievances about the comments of one of the guests. Since then, he began to receive strange threat calls.“The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balance opinion and free speech in a democratic setting. I’m living in a society where the system favours the elite and those in position of authority,” he alleged. “I have become a soft target in elite chess games and their pursuit of self-aggrandizement. There is pressure from high places to get me sacked of my job! If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family? My offense? being a child of nobody. Friend and family please keep praying for my safety,” he further stated.IPC-SPJ is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Tayo Oyeladun and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State to ensure that he is not harmed in any way. IPC-SPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the comments made during the programme anchored by the journalist or his guest to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. IPC-SPJ therefore appeals to other media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for his safety.IPC-SPJ is also condemning the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State government. “A team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast,” the report stated.IPC-SPJ states that, this incident is an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom and democracy. We are calling for an immediate investigation of this incident, especially the officials involved. The appropriate punishment should be meted on those found guilty. SGD:Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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ABDUCTION OF GLOBALUPFRONT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:I-CSPJ CALLS FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Press Release     For immediate release, May 23, 2024 IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for the immediate release of Globalupfront Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah who was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force at about 6p.m on Wednesday May 22, 2024, at his residence in Lugbe, FCT Abuja. Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that, “About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses.”   “He was arrested in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family. He was not even allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station,” the report revealed. IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “The media once again is under attack. The rate at which journalists and media practitioners are being arrested is alarming and should be of serious concern to all.” “Anybody who has an issue against Madu Onuorah should approach the court of justice and not use the Police to unlawfully infringe his fundamental rights,” Arogundade further said. I-CSPJ calls on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Madu Onuorah, who at the time of drafting this statement as not been released or charged to court. I-CSPJ also calls on other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for a free press in Nigeria. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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WPFD 2024: THE LAGOS PLAN OF ACTION ON MEDIA FREEDOM IN NIGERIA

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Outcome Document from Commemoration Activity Introduction On the occasion of the 2024 edition of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD 2024) on May 3, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Global Rights: Advocates for Sustainable Justice, in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), convened a one-day commemoration event in hybrid format at the IPC Conference Hall in Lagos under the theme:  “The Imperative of Media Freedom for Democratic Governance.” The purpose of the convening was to reflect on the state of media freedom in Nigeria based on experiences shared by various journalists who had been victims of attacks in recent times as a result or in the course of their work as media professionals, discuss strategies and activities to improve the environment for media practice in the country and combat impunity for attacks against journalists, other media professionals and media organizations. The event was attended in person and virtually by journalists and other media professionals from the print, broadcast and online media from across the country, media proprietors and publishers, academics, human rights defenders and representatives of various civil society organizations, lawyers and other professionals. The convening was moderated by Ms Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews, and addressed at the opening by Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda; Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre; and Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, all of whom welcomed participants, spoke about the work of their respective organizations in the promotion and defence of media freedom in Nigeria and safety of journalists They also presented findings from monitoring activities focused on attacks on journalists and the media carried out by their organizations over the last one year, covering the first year in office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting also heard testimonies from Mr. Clinton Umeh of the online news outlet, Journalists 101, based in Enugu; Ms. Khadija Yahaya, a journalist with Arewa Radio in Kano; Ms. Charity Uwakwe, an online journalist with Famous Reporters, based in Umuahia, Abia State; Mr. Eniola Daniel, a reporter with The Guardian newspaper in Lagos; and Mr. Benedict Uwalaka, a photojournalist with the Daily Trust newspaper, who is also based in Lagos. The journalists shared multiple experiences of attacks that they suffered or experienced as a result of their work as journalists or in the course of carrying out their professional duties; as well as the impact of these attacks on them and on their work. Following their testimonies, Dr. (Mrs) Uzochukwu Israel, a Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology of the University of Lagos, made a presentation on the “Possible Psychosocial Effects of Attacks on Journalists and their Management” in which she shared with participants the potential mental and physical health implications of trauma, which can lead to prolonged or long term mental and physical health problems such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, immune system dysregulation, and sleep disturbances, among others. She discussed several strategies for self-management of the problem when initial symptoms manifest and emphasized the need for journalists and other victims of trauma to seek professional help in appropriate cases. In the ensuing discussions, some other participating journalists also shared experiences of attacks that they had suffered or witnessed, with many decrying the absence of state intervention in response to such attacks, inadequate support systems from employers and the society as well as the love-hate relationship with journalism that such experiences create in them. At the end of the event, the participants agreed to adopt this Plan of Action on Media Freedom in Nigeria. Observations The following observations were made in the presentations and discussions at the event: ·   Journalists and other media workers continue to experience various forms of attacks, including murder and other forms of extra-judicial killings; torture and other forms of ill-treatment, inhuman or degrading treatment; arbitrary arrests and detention by law enforcement, security, intelligence and military officials; kidnappings and abductions; harassment and intimidation; threats of physical harm to them or their family members; unlawful or arbitrary surveillance undertaken by State and non-State actors; unlawful raids of their offices or homes; unlawful seizure of their equipment or professional tools, among other forms of attacks. ·       Journalists and other media workers who are victims of attacks often do not receive any support or assistance from their employers, including the media proprietors and managers, which makes the journalists feel unappreciated, abandoned and demoralized. Indeed, sometimes, media proprietors and media managers succumb to pressures from governments and other powerful actors and themselves become perpetrators of further attacks on such journalists. ·       Attacks on journalists and media management can create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and media freedom as targeting journalists for their reporting or for their critical views can deter others from speaking out or reporting on contentious issues, which can lead to a narrowing of the public discourse and a reduction in the diversity of perspectives, limiting democratic participation and the exchange of ideas. ·       Attacks on journalists and media management also have broader societal implications beyond the individuals directly affected as they frequently result in a weakened media environment, which can also undermine democracy, accountability, and the functioning of civil society. ·       It is, therefore, imperative that the psycho-social effects which arise from the traumatic experiences of journalists who have been victims of attacks are promptly and comprehensively addressed while the safety and well-being of journalists is protected.  Journalists should not keep the psychosocial trauma they suffer as a result of attacks to themselves but should seek appropriate medical support, particularly from psychiatrists and or clinical psychologists. ·       Broad strategies can also be adopted to avoid or prevent the negative social implications which attacks on journalists can have on the society by advocating for press freedom, promoting legal protections, fostering a culture of respect for journalism, supporting mental health resources, and ensuring accountability for attacks on media professionals. ·       There is widespread ignorance among members of

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Press Statement

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Media Support Groups Mark 2024 World Press Freedom Day, Urge Governments to Protect Media Freedom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LAGOS, Thursday, May 2, 2024: Four human rights and media support organizations have called on Federal and State Governments to take urgent measures to ensure media freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, saying the deteriorating state of media freedom in country is potentially harmful to its system of democratic governance. Their call is contained in a statement announcing their collaborative activities to commemorate the 2024 edition of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD 2024) through separate events taking place in Lagos and Abuja on Friday, May 3. According to the statement, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Global Rights: Advocates for Sustainable Justice, in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), will hold a hybrid convening in Lagos under the theme: “The Imperative of Media Freedom for Democratic Governance”, to underscore the vital role that the media play in promoting transparency, accountability, good governance, and democracy. The event will have media stakeholders drawn from among journalists and editors, media owners and managers, civil society organizations, the academia, and others participating physically and virtually and will include activities such as sharing of experiences by journalists who have faced various forms of attacks, a presentation on the importance of counselling for journalists who have been victims of attacks, as well as presentations on various civil society efforts to ensure the safety of journalists and protect media freedom, which are designed to strengthen the media as they strive to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice. A separate event will be hosted in Abuja by Global Rights in collaboration with MRA and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR). The event will be a Webinar titled “Freedom of the Press in Peril – Raising the Bar for Press Freedom in Nigeria”, which isaimed at sparking a conversation on how to safeguard press freedoms in Africa and how the operational environment for the press can be improved in Nigeria and across the continent. The event will identify global best practices that create a conducive and enabling environment for the press and share experiences of how they can be domesticated in a way that makes them more easily accessible to journalists and other media professionals in Nigeria. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated around the world on May 3 every year as a reminder to governments of the need for them to respect their commitment to press freedom and create a safe and conducive environment for journalism and media practice. Commenting on the collaborative efforts by the various organizations, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of MRA, said: “As the world celebrates World Press Freedom Day on May 3, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of free speech, independent journalism, and the protection of press freedoms worldwide knowing that a free and independent media is the oxygen of democracy.  We are determined to work with like-minded individuals and organizations towards the emergence of an environment where media professionals can carry out their professional functions without fear or intimidation and where the media can realize its true purpose.” According to Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Director of IPC, “We recognize the challenges facing journalists and media professionals across the country, including censorship, intimidation, violence, and online harassment. In the face of these threats and attacks, we commend the resilience and courage of journalists who continue to pursue the truth, often at great personal risk. We also promise that we shall continue to render whatever support we can to ensure that the atmosphere is made conducive for them to ply their trade.” Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, said: “We take the opportunity of this important occasion to once again call on governments, civil society organizations, and individuals everywhere to join us in defending press freedom, protecting journalists, and ensuring that information remains a public good accessible to all. Together, let us stand united in support of press freedom and the fundamental principles of democracy.” For further information, please contact: Idowu Adewale Media Rights Agenda idowu@mediarightsagenda.org Melody Akinjiyan International Press Centre melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org Timothy Bamidele Centre for Media and Society tbamidele@cemesong.org

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 Press Release PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHT  For immediate release, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), hereby strongly registers its displeasure over yet another incident of harassment of its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, by officials of the State Security Service otherwise known as the DSS, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria. The incident of Thursday April 11, while Mr. Arogundade prepared to board a late-night Air France Flight to Berlin, Germany to participate in the respective general meetings and conferences of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) would be the umpteenth of such unwelcome development. Mr. Arogundade is a renowned journalist, advocate for social justice and democracy, former Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. We believe these roles and positions should not warrant his unending torment by the DSS. Mr. Arogundade recounted the encounter in a Facebook post: “I was harassed by DSS officials for about 40 minutes because they claimed my name was still flashing on their watchlist despite the declaration two years ago by the Director General of the State Security Service, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, that my name had been removed when he met a delegation of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) led by Musikilu Mojeed.” Mr. Arogundade additionally informed IPC management that the senior DSS official to whom he was referred threatened to bar him from traveling unless he produced his old passports describing the request as “bizarre and ridiculous”. IPC holds that the persistent harassment violates Mr. Arogundade’s right to freedom of movement while undermining basic democratic principles. IPC hereby calls on the Director General of the DSS, and in particular his men and officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to desist from further harassing Mr. Arogundade. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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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

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Press Release

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CLOSURE OF ZAMFARA MEDIA HOUSES, WORRISOME, UNACCEPTABLE – IPC CALLS FOR CAUTION For immediate release, October 17, 2022  The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria is worried by the recent closure of some media outlets by the Zamfara state government, describing the action as unacceptable and a violation of the rule of law. According to the State government the order for closure was because ‘the media outlets affected were found guilty of breaking the laws of journalism’ The affected media outlets are Radio Nigeria, Pride FM Gusau, NTA Gusau, Gamji Television, Vision FM, and Al Umma TV. According to a statement by Zamfara Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara, the government also directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to arrest all pressmen that attended an event organised by the PDP Governorship candidate, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said that the closure of the media outlets is another attempt to stifle press freedom in the country warning that the government should subject itself to the rule of law and not be the accuser and judge in its case. “This closure is an attempt by the Zamfara state government to suppress freedom of the press in the state. Directing the Police to further arrest pressmen for attending an event is worrisome and a violation of citizens’ right to be informed,” Arogundade advised the Zamfara state government to take its case to the media regulatory bodies, vested with the power to sanction or withdraw licenses of media outlets who may be found guilty of breaking the laws of journalism. “It is not within the powers of the Governor or his agents, under whatever guise, to carry out such duties, as shutting down or sealing off media houses. This should be condemned by all” Mr. Arogundade said. The IPC, therefore, requests the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Buhari to call Governor Bello Matawalle to order as he has acted beyond his executive powers. IPC equally calls on the Inspector General of Police to provide the necessary protection to all journalists and media outlets within Zamfara state and its environs as envisaged under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “There should be no disturbances or threats to the electoral processes as all Nigerians look forward to a smooth election in 2023”. Arogundade said. SGD: Melody Lawal Program Officer/Safety Desk Officer IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org +2348132776441

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FOI Desk Officers of Public Institutions Meet on Establishment of Online Platform to Share Information on FOI Implementation

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Press Statement FOI Desk Officers of Public Institutions Meet on Establishment of Online Platform to Share Information on FOI Implementation LAGOS, Monday, January 31, 2022: Freedom of Information (FOI) Desk Officers from various Federal public institutions will meet at a two-day workshop in Abuja on February 1 and 2, 2022 to discuss the establishment of an online FOI Platform to enable them to share information, ideas and experiences on the implementation of the FOI Act, 2011. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), will deliver the keynote address at the workshop, which will also have in attendance, the National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Nigeria, Dr Gloria Ahmed, who is also the Director of Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as well as Mr. Gowon Ichibor, the Head of the FOI Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice. The workshop, which will have representatives from over 60 public institutions, is being organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in collaboration with Media Rights Agenda (MRA)) and the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice. It is funded by by the European Union (EU) under component 4b: Support to Media of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Project. According to the organisations, the overall objective of the workshop is to improve compliance by public institutions with their duties and obligations under the FOI Act, as well as to ensure more effective implementation of the Act through the creation of an interactive online platform for FOI Desk Officers of public institutions to enable them share good practices and learn from each other’s experiences as they oversee implementation by their respective institutions. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s Executive Director, noted that “The creation of an online platform, in addition to facilitating shared learning, experience sharing and best practice application in the implementation of the FOI Act, will also provide an opportunity for FOI Desk Officers of public institutions to be updated with the latest developments on freedom of information, and facilitate collaborative resolution of challenges.” MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, who is also a member of the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the OGP in Nigeria, said “We strongly believe that this initiative, which is starting with this workshop, and will be followed by other activities, will lead to significant improvements in the implementation of the FOI Act thus contributing to the fulfillment of Nigeria’s commitments in its OGP National Action Plan regarding improved compliance with the FOI Act.” For further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade (Ms)Communications Officer,International Press Centre (IPC)E-mail: tayoade@ipcng.org OR Idowu Adewale (Mr.)Communications Officer,Media Rights Agenda (MRA)E-mail: idowu@mediarightsagenda.org

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Jonathan, Fayemi, Abike-Dabiri, Odinkalu, Others for Honours at Maiden Freedom of Information Awards

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Jonathan, Fayemi, Abike-Dabiri, Odinkalu, Others for Honours at Maiden Freedom of Information Awards FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lagos, December 9, 2021, 2021: Former President Goodluck Jonathan will be conferred with a special recognition award at the maiden edition of the National Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Abuja on December 10, 2021 for his “patriotic and courageous” act of signing the FOI Bill into Law 10 years ago, according to the International Press Centre (IPC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA), organisers of the event. In the joint statement in Lagos, signed by Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s Executive Director, and Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of MRA, the organisations announced that Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Governor’s Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, would also be honoured at the ceremony taking place at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel for blazing the trail as the first Governor to facilitate the adoption of an FOI Law at the state level. The event, which coincides with this year’s International Human Rights Day, will be chaired by Justice Stella Anukam, a judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania.  It is being held as part of activities to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the signing of the FOI Bill into Law by then President Jonathan in 2011. IPC and MRA said the award ceremony, which will host government officials, former and serving members of the National Assembly, civil society representatives, media practitioners and members of the international community, among others, is intended to recognise and reward individuals, organisations and public institutions that have made significant contributions towards the advancement of the right to information in Nigeria as well as in ensuring the effective implementation of the FOI Act. They explained that those to be honoured would include individuals and organisations that have made the highest number of requests for information under the FOI Act to public institutions or private entities to which the Act applies, between May 29, 2015 and October 31, 2021 as well as public institutions adjudged to be most responsive to requests for information from members of the public under the FOI Act and that have adopted innovative and access-friendly practices and procedures to ensure public right of access to information in Nigeria. According to them, award recipients would include former Senate Majority Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Ayogu Eze; former Speaker of the House of Representations, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; former member of the House of Representatives and currently Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; former member of the House of Representatives and former Ambassador to Austria, Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe; and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, among others. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) will also receive recognition awards for their roles in facilitating the emergence of an FOI regime in Nigeria.  Explaining the rationale for the awards, Mr. Arogundade said: “The FOI Act is a progressive law enacted to open up government to the people and ensure that government becomes more transparent. It is therefore a privilege to be at the threshold of history bestowing awards on individuals, organisations and institutions that have made valuable contributions towards opening up government for the betterment of the people of Nigeria.” Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Ojo said: “In the past, we have sought to name and shame public institutions for impeding the effective implementation of the FOI Act by inducting them into a Hall of Shame. I am very pleased that we are now also able to recognise and honour those making positive contributions. A notable example of this is Governor Fayemi who wasted no time in facilitating the adoption of an FOI Law in Ekiti State while most of his colleagues remained fearful of opening up governance as nearly all the other State governments were busy disavowing the application of the FOI Act to their States and continued to govern in secrecy.” The awards are organised with the support of the European Union through component 4b: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Project. For further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade (Ms) Communications Officer,  International Press Centre (IPC) E-mail: tayoade@ipcng.org OR Idowu Adewale (Mr.) Communications Officer,  Media Rights Agenda (MRA) E-mail: idowu@mediarightsagenda.org

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