Media News
STATE OF ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA THE YEAR 2024 (JANUARY – SEPTEMBER) REPORT
PRESENTED ON THE OCCASION OF THE YEAR 2024 INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS BY IPC (SPJ) Hub
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS: IPC CALLS ON MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION FOR ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS: IPC CALLS ON MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION FOR ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS For immediate release, November 2, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria is calling on media and relevant stakeholders to work in greater partnership to create a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate. IPC is making the call today as journalists, other media professionals and freedom of expression groups mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists with the theme: Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies. IPC regrets that the safety of journalists during crises and emergencies in the country remain unguaranteed as evidenced by attacks on the media and journalists during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests and previous ones such as #EndSars. IPC is particularly worried that the perpetrators of the worsening spate of attacks are rarely brought to justice hence the regime of impunity for crimes against journalists continue to reign while the country also continues to rank high among countries where press freedom and freedom of expression are constantly under threat. IPC holds that the outcome of the documentation of attacks on journalists by its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub is disturbing as the database shows that within the past nine (9) months not less than forty (40) incidents of physical assault, harassment, threat to life, torture, kidnapping, unlawful arrest/detention, loss/damage of valuables and gadgets (camera, phones, midgets, money, etc.) among others and involving over sixty-five (65) journalists and other media professionals were recorded. The report revealed that the number of highest cases recorded were in the month of August during the ‘End Bad Governance Protest’ held across the country. Find the details here: STATE OF ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA THE YEAR 2024 (JANUARY – SEPTEMBER) REPORT | International Press Centre – IPC Name of Journalist Gender News Medium Nature of Attack Alleged Perpetrators Location of Attack Benard Akede Male News Central Television Harassment & barred from conducting live broadcast Police officers & LCC officials Lagos State Ibrahim Isah Male TVC News Physical assault Hoodlums Kano State Eleven (11) journalists Not mentioned Not mentioned Vehicle vandalism (Channels TV) & attempt to assault journalists on board Hoodlums Kano State Yakubu Mohammed Male Premium Times Physical assault & cameras of journalists destroyed Police officers FCT, Abuja Jide Oyekunle Male Daily Independent Unlawful arrest Police officers FCT, Abuja Mary Adeboye Female News Central Television Physical assault (tear gas) Police officers FCT, Abuja Team of journalists led by Joseph Abasi-Abasi Male Nigerian Tribune Physical assault & vandalism of NUJ vehicle Hoodlums Cross-River State Jonathan Ugbal Male Cross River Watch Unlawful arrest & detention Police officers Cross-River State Matthew Ochei Monday Osayande Lucy Male Male Male Punch Newspaper Guardian Newspaper Pointer Newspaper Physical assault & destruction of gadgets and working tools Anti-protesters Delta State Olukayode Jayeola Male The Punch Newspaper Unlawful arrest & confiscation of camera and personal belongings Police officers FCT, Abuja Not mentioned Not mentioned The Punch Newspaper, Premium Times, The Cable, Peoples Gazatte Gunshots fired at vehicle conveying journalists Masked security operatives FCT, Abuja Not mentioned Not mentioned Radio Ndarason Internationale Unlawful arrest Security operatives Borno State Not mentioned Not mentioned News Central Television Crew Physical assault Thugs Lagos State The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said the precarious situation is unwelcome and deserving of the attention of media stakeholders. “We are calling for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists in Nigeria. We cannot turn a blind eye to attacks against journalists. We attach the highest priority to the safety of journalists and other media actors. We oppose any action, legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of the press. Acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Nigeria have to end for democracy to survive. Attacks against media institutions and journalists are attacks against democratic rights including the right of the public to know the truth about the way they are governed,” Mr. Arogundade said. Mr. Arogundade called on the Presidency to mandate security operatives to carry out the necessary investigations on unresolved cases of attacks on journalists while he also urged the Inspector General of Police to publicly disclose what has so far been done towards unraveling the mystery behind killed journalists in Nigeria. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org
Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process: IPC Hosts Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue
PRESS RELEASE Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process: IPC Hosts Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lagos, Nigeria – March 22, 2024. The International Press Centre (IPC), based in Lagos, Nigeria, lead implementing partner of Component 4 (Support to Media) under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, announces its upcoming major forum. Scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2024, this event will convene about 100 electoral stakeholders to address the critical theme of “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes, Institutions and Elections.” Following the success of the inaugural session held in Abuja, this subsequent edition of the media and civil society-driven forum aims to further stimulate meaningful discussions on how to reinforce commitments and approaches to multi-stakeholder collaboration for enhancing confidence in electoral processes. The initiative is also being embarked upon ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States later this year and preparatory activities towards the 2027 general elections. The forum seeks to gather submissions and recommendations on how diverse stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Law Enforcement Agencies, Political Party Leaders, Youth, Women, and the Public, can effectively fulfill their roles and collaborate to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. Prof. Isaac Albert of the University of Ibadan will present the lead paper at the event, which will be chaired by Prof. Okey Ibeanu, a former INEC National Commissioner. The event will receive special remarks from the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and EU Ambassador Samuela Isopi, among others. The event shall also be moderated by renowned broadcaster, Mr. Ambrose Somide of Raypower FM. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, in a statement emphasised the importance of transparent elections in bolstering citizens’ trust in the electoral system, particularly in developing democracies like Nigeria. He highlighted the correlation between encountering obstacles during elections and reduced confidence in elected officials, often leading to participation in activities opposing the ruling regime. In anticipation of the forthcoming collaboration with key election stakeholders, especially the media, Mr. Arogundade reiterated the commitment to engaging in proposals and contributions aimed at enhancing public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. This collaboration seeks to foster constructive discussions, address challenges, and work towards improving the overall integrity and transparency of elections in Nigeria. Participation in the dialogue is also expected from various sectors, including the leadership of INEC, Political Parties represented by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), key institutions such as the National Orientation Agency and Security Agencies, as well as representatives from traditional and religious bodies, CSOs, the European Union (EU) Delegation, EUSDGN Partners, Labour Unions, and Community Leaders. This initiative is supported by the European Union. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org About IPC: The International Press Centre (IPC) is a non-governmental organization committed to promoting media freedom, democracy, and transparency in Nigeria. About EUSDGN II: The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project aims to strengthen democratic governance, accountability, and electoral processes in Nigeria through various interventions and partnerships.
FOSTERING JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY FOR STRENGTHENED DEMOCRACY
IPC Ups the Stakes of Fact-Checking, FOIA Use and Inclusivityin Election Coverage By Olutoyin Ayoade For a democracy to flourish, an informed citizenry attuned to current affairs is paramount. This raises a fundamental question about the effectiveness of the media in providing citizens with the necessary information, analysis, and contextual reports essential for informed decision-making on political candidates and policies. How can we enhance the quality of media engagement to improve the integrity of information available to the public? Additionally, considering resource constraints, what steps can journalists take to elevate and uphold reporting standards and enhance the quality of their news delivery to audiences? In responding to these concerns, the International Press Centre (IPC) recognises the significant impact of the media on societal dynamics and positive change. IPC employs a variety of strategies, such as media training, resource dissemination, and advocacy initiatives, to empower journalists nationwide. By providing support, advocacy, and training, IPC aims to elevate journalistic standards, preserve press freedom, and enable journalists to effectively inform the public. This assistance contributes to nurturing a vibrant media landscape in Nigeria and Africa, aiding in the advancement of democratic governance and sustainable development objectives through the promotion of ethical journalism. In further pursuit of these objectives, IPC, as lead partner of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGNII) project funded by the European Union recently organised a three-part workshop spanning a month to elevate journalists’ skills across the country. The workshops which took place in Akure, Ondo State, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State and Kaduna, Kaduna State brought together about 120 journalists from the six geo-political zones of the country with the training curriculum designed to equip them with vital tools and skills to tackle the challenges of the digital age in relation to information disorder while underscoring the importance of responsibility and ethical conduct. The training also aimed to address some of the critical media observations highlighted in the European Union Electoral Observation Mission (EU-EOM) final report on the 2023 Nigeria general elections, including the following: The online sphere experienced a surge in false information, including sensationalized content spread across various platforms and media channels. Political entities and individuals contributed to this trend, targeting actors like INEC and mainstream media. False information circulated during presidential and state elections, especially around polling days. Throughout the gubernatorial elections, a proliferation of misinformation was observed, ranging from false claims of candidate withdrawals to fabricated endorsements. The online sphere witnessed the dissemination of hate speech aimed at specific political factions in Nigeria. The electoral discourse in Lagos was marked by divisive dialogues revolving around the ethnic origins of candidates. Female candidates encountered gender-based online harassment. Notably, the races in Rivers and Adamawa garnered significant user engagement, particularly highlighting prominent female contenders. However, the online narrative in Adamawa was tainted by the prevalence of misinformation. The Nigerian Fact-checkers Coalition (NFC) comprising 12 organizations fact-checked 150 election-related cases from December 2022 to March 2023, raising awareness about disinformation risks. Collaboration among organizations optimized capacities, with peak fact-checking before the February 25th election and extending to state levels. The journalists who participated in the workshops demonstrated a notable improvement in their skills and understanding of how to combat disinformation, misinformation and mal information thus demonstrating commitment to curbing information disorder. The workshops focused on critical areas including utilising fact-checking and Freedom of Information tools. Attendees were equipped with essential competencies to navigate the complexities of the digital age effectively. Moreover, participants gained knowledge on enhancing post-election coverage of gender-related issues and tactics to address misinformation and gender biases. Facilitators Dr. Titi Osuagwu of the University of Port Harcourt; Dr. Fatimah Shaibu of The Polytechnic, Kaduna: Mr. Martins Oloja, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda and Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Centre spearheaded the discussions with presentations on the selected topics. FOIA and Investigations in Post-Election Reporting on Democratic Governance. During the training session, Mr. Ojo and Mr. Oloja extensively delved into the topic of “Post-election Reporting: Leveraging the FOI Act and Investigative Techniques for Reporting on Democratic Governance and Electoral Accountability.” Recognizing the imperative for media practitioners to persist in advocating for a governance system characterized by accountability and responsibility, the expert sessions highlighted the pivotal role of the media in advocating for transparency to bolster good governance. Emphasizing that adherence to regulations nurtures trust and credibility, the facilitators underscored the importance of this principle. The session also emphasised the vanguard role the media can play in utilising FOI Act to bolster accountability by regulatory bodies across sectors. They underscored the importance of assessing adherence to statutory regulations and the significance of journalists incorporating data into their reporting to enrich the depth, accuracy, and impact of their narratives. Moreover, the sessions also buttressed the fact that the practice not only elevates the quality of journalism but also fosters transparency by holding governmental entities accountable for their assertions, declarations, and commitments. In addition, that data-driven reporting offers empirical evidence, enhances public comprehension, facilitates informed decision-making, and validates assertions through the meticulous cross-referencing of data from credible sources to uphold accuracy. The discussion also encompassed various topics related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), such as the process of submitting FOI requests, permissible information, judicial review procedures, offenses outlined in the FOI Act, the responsibilities of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and safeguards for whistleblowers. The sessions emphasised the need for thorough examination of the foundational tenets of the FOI Act and the Access to Information (ATI) framework. This analysis concentrated on crucial aspects, such as record-keeping procedures, the designation of information officers within public institutions, educating officials on the public’s right to access information, handling FOI applications, adhering to response deadlines, submitting annual reports, and the obligatory proactive disclosure of specific information by public entities. Additionally, it was highlighted that certain exemptions exist for information that could potentially compromise international relations or national defence. A
Anambra 2021: IPC establishes Special Journalists’ Safety Monitoring & Alert Desk…….issues advisory on coverage
Press Release Anambra 2021: IPC establishes Special Journalists’ Safety Monitoring & Alert Desk…….issues advisory on coverage For immediate release: November 5, 2021 24 hours to the Anambra State governorship election on Saturday November 6, 2021, the International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria, has announced the establishment of a Special Journalists’ Safety Monitoring & Alert Desk for Journalists and other media professionals covering the poll. IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the special alert desk would operate from Friday November 5 to Sunday November 7 to cover the immediate pre-election, the election and the immediate post-election periods. “Journalists have been molested by security agents and political thugs during previous elections despite accreditation by INEC and nothing can be taken for granted”, Mr. Arogundade stated. The special alert desk will monitor and document the situation of journalists and other media professionals and send out immediate alerts if they encounter problems. Journalists and other media professionals on the ground are therefore advised to reach the special alert desk should the need arise as follows: Hotlines:+234 802 362 6281+234 806 381 0424+234 813 277 6441+234 0811 450 3887Twitter: @IPCngFacebook: IPC Nigeria. IPC also advises journalists and other media professionals covering the elections to avail themselves of the services of the ANAMBRA GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION SECURITY MONITORING ROOM estblished by the Cleen Foundation. In case of any emergency or distress, they can call the situation room numbers:+234 8060463492,+234 9032506317 The Anambra State Council of the NUJ can also be reached on:+2348039329116,+2348181119464 In the alternative they can reach the following senior police officers as provided by the situation room: +234 7034135464Ag. DIG ZAKI M. AHMED (OPERATIONS) +234 8106160007AIG DASUKI D. GALADANCHI,mni (CTU) +234 8110542985AIG ABANG B. JOHN (PMF) +234 8033018835AIG MURI UMAR MUSA (ZONE 13) +234 8036448894CP ECHENG ECHENG (ANAMBRA COMMAND CP) +234 7039194332CONTROL ROOM NUMBER Complaints about police actions can also be directed to:+234 8131199111+234 8057000001 AdvisoryIPC also charges journalists covering the election to abide with the provisions of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage requiring adherence to the ethical and professional standards of factual accuracy, discipline of verification, avoidance of disinformation and misinformation, avoidance of hate speech and conflict sensitivity. They should equally abide with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and refrain from publishing results that are not approved by INEC. IPC particularly enjoins journalists on the ground to:• Always have on them INEC’s accreditation card and organisational identity card• Refrain from going out if not accredited by INEC• Constantly inform colleagues or editors and family about location and challenges• Be familiar with the polling units in advance, and identify exit points in case of emergency• Wear appropriate PPE• Back up documents in a secure storage• Draw up a plan B in case of loss of internet and devices and other crisis situations• Memorise an emergency number in case of loss of phone.• Have an emergency phone enabled with SOS apps, so numbers can be contacted on speed dial.• Avoid confrontations with the police or individuals• Avoid moving alone, but in groups SGDOlutoyin AyoadeCommunications Officer, IPC+234 0811 450 3887tayoade@ipcng.org
COMMUNIQUE OF A STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM ON JOURNALISTS’ SAFETY & PRESS FREEDOM LIMITATIONS IN NIGERIA HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021 AT REIZ CONTINENTAL HOTEL, CENTRAL ZONE, ABUJA.
Preamble The International Press Centre, (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria, in commemoration of the year 2020 World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd) whose theme is ‘Information For Public Good’ convened a Stakeholders’ Forum on Journalists’ Safety and Press Freedom Limitations in Nigeria on Wednesday May 5, 2021 in Abuja. The year 2020 WPFD marks the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek, Namibia global media conference on ‘Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Media’ from April 29 to May 3rd, 1991, the declaration of which led to the proposal for the adoption of May 3rd as WPFD by the United Nations following a proposal by UNESCO. Purpose The Abuja forum was convened in continuation of IPC’s commitment to deepening engagement with media and relevant stakeholders on solution-driven approaches to the safety of Nigerian Journalists. The forum was therefore attended by the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Mustapha Isah; President of the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), Mr. Kabir Garba Tsanni; President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ladi Bala and Programme Manager of Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) Ms. Tosin Alagbe representing the Executive Director, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi. They were joined as discussants by Mrs. Vivian Emerenini representing the National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Rhoda Tyoden. The keynote address was presented by a prominent social critic and Executive Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani with journalists from the print, broadcast and Online media in attendance. Welcome remarks The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, in his welcome remarks, announced the institution of a Foundation for the Safety of Journalists by IPC to, among others: Improve the documentation of attacks on journalists and the media; Engage in continuous capacity building for journalists on safety in investigative reporting and coverage of dangerous assignments; Offer psycho-social support for attacked or assaulted journalists; Campaign and advocate for enabling environment that promotes safety of journalists and press freedom; and Offer coordination mechanisms on the safety of journalists. Report on attack on Journalists in 2020 The IPC report on the State of Attacks on Journalists in Nigeria in the year 2020 was also released at the event. The report, presented by IPC’s Safety Alert Desk Officer. Mrs. Melody Lawal, revealed that forty-eight (48) journalists and eight (8) media outlets were attacked in 2020 with the perpetrators including security agents, paramilitary forces, political agents and unknown gun men. The report also cited the location and the nature of the attacks observing that many of them occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown and the ENDSARS protest. The keynote Speaking on the theme: ‘Information as a Public Good and the Quest for Press Freedom’, Rev. Fr. Ehusani urged journalists, other media professionals and media organisations in Nigeria to wrestle and seize from the authorities and guard jealously press freedom. His words: “Freedom of any type is not cheap. It does not come on a platter of gold, as those who hold power often seek to intimidate, coerce unto submission and silence dissenting voices in the society. Thus, press freedom, as indeed the freedom of expression from which it ensues, will hardly every be simply given in our society or anywhere else”. Fr. Ehusani also submitted that the “media is a cornerstone of a free society” adding that “the freedom to source information, to process such information, and to disseminate it, is critical for the nurturing and sustenance of a free, democratic and prosperous society”. In this regard, he said that the biggest challenge to the people’s right to know has been the refusal of authority systems at various levels of the state to allow international covenants on press freedom and freedom of expression to flourish citing as example the existence of laws like The Official Secrets Act 1962 in Nigeria. Observations Both the report the report on attacks on journalists and the media in Nigeria in 2020 and the keynote address elicited responses and contributions from the discussants and participants. The participants observed that: The worsening security and economic situation of the country is a threat to media survival and hinders its ability to serve as societal watchdog; Some journalists tend to pander to their own primordial sentiments and therefore fail to report conflicts ethically and professionally; Media professionals and stakeholders are not sufficiently united in resisting efforts by state agents to undermine the right to press freedom and freedom of expression; Media professionals and stakeholders are not sufficiently united in resisting the use of some existing laws and regulatory frameworks such as the Cyber Crime Act 2015, the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, etc, to intimidate and assault the media and prevent it from fulfilling its obligation to monitor governance and hold government accountable to the people; Media professionals and stakeholders are not sufficiently united in highlighting attacks on journalists, demanding justice for victims up to and including adequate compensation, and ensuring the investigation and prosecution of alleged perpetrators; The poor attention to the welfare of journalists in Nigeria, which has degenerated over the decades and has worsened in recent years without concrete efforts at remedying the situation, constitutes fundamental threat to media professionalism and press freedom; The propensity of the government to violate the digital and Internet rights of journalists and citizens could pose major threat to the media as the country intensifies transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. Recommendations Following the observations, the participants recommended that: Journalists should remain courageous and report factually and truthfully despite the worsening security and economic situation; Media professionals and stakeholders must close ranks and put forward a formidable, united front, partnership and solidarity to resist efforts by state agents to undermine the right to press freedom and freedom of expression; Media professionals and stakeholders must resist the use of existing laws and regulatory frameworks legislations including the Cyber Crime Act 2015, the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, etc, to
WPFD 2021: IPC TO HOLD WEBINARS AND CONVEY STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM
Press Release WPFD 2021: IPC TO HOLD WEBINARS AND CONVEY STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM For immediate release: April 28, 2021 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos will mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), with a two-part event starting with a webinar tomorrow, Thursday April 29, 2021, on ‘Safety, Security and Management of Trauma in Coverage of Dangerous Assignments’. On Wednesday May 5, 2021, IPC, in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union and other stakeholders, will convey a forum on ‘Information as Public Good and the Quest for Press Freedom in Nigeria’ in Abuja, FCT. A statement by IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said both events are pursuant to the theme of the year 2021 WPFD – ‘Information as Public Good’. “Year 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek, Namibia, Declaration on an Independent and Pluralistic African Media which led to the decision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as adopted by the UN General Assembly to declare May 3rd as WPFD. It is this significance that has informed our decision to organise series of events to commemorate the milestone including two webinars and the stakeholders’ forum”, Mr. Arogundade explained. 50 journalists from the three Northern geo-political zones who applied and were selected will participate in tomorrow’s capacity building webinar at which international and Nigerian experts will make presentations on ‘Safety reporting and the challenges online and offline’; Safety best practices in the investigation, coverage and reportage of dangerous assignments including pandemics’ and ‘Managing stress, trauma and other psychological/ mental health challenges in the coverage of pandemics and crisis situations’. The experts include Gillo Shedir of the International Freedom of Exchange (IFEX), Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, a writer and investigative journalist and Dr. Uzo Isreal, lecturer and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the University of Lagos. The second capacity building webinar for journalists in the southern geo-political zones will hold within the next two weeks. At the Abuja May 5 event, IPC will present its annual report on the documentation of attacks on journalists in Nigeria while there will be a roundtable discussion on “Information as A Public Good and The Quest for Press Freedom” with Rev. Fr. George Ehusani as the lead Speaker. A panel of five comprising representatives of media professional bodies, the civil society and the bar will serve as discussants. The Abuja forum is expected to fashion a road map on improved mechanisms for the defence of press freedom in Nigeria. The webinars and the stakeholders’ forum are being respectively supported by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) and the Open Society Foundation (OSF) under IPC’s safety of journalists and enhanced safety awareness programmes. SGD: Melody Lawal Program Officer/ Journalists Safety Alert Desk Officer IPC, Lagos-Nigeria +2348132776441