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Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process: IPC Hosts Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue

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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.

News, Nigeria Elections, Press Release, Women In Politics

International Women’s Day: Nigeria must urgently accelerate the inclusion of women at decision making levels.

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Press Release   International Women’s Day: Nigeria must urgently accelerate the inclusion of women at decision making levels. For Immediate Release: Friday, March 8, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos, Nigeria aligns with the global community in advocating for increased female political representation at both national and subnational levels within Nigeria. Reflecting on the United Nations theme for this year, “Invest in women—accelerate progress,” IPC emphasizes the importance of empowering and investing in women by promoting their active participation in political leadership and decision-making roles. This is seen as a crucial strategy to swiftly address the democratic challenges facing the nation. IPC draws attention to the inadequate representation of women in political positions in Nigeria, despite constitutional provisions and international agreements advocating for their inclusion. Persistent systemic and societal barriers hinder women’s engagement in politics. The concerning trend persisted during the 2023 elections in the country, resulting in adverse implications for women’s representation and impact within the government. Notably, the proportion of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly decreased by 19% compared to the previous assembly. Presently, women hold only 3% of Senate seats and 4% of seats in the House of Representatives. In a statement, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the IPC, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the significant perspectives and contributions that women offer to governance in Nigerian society. He noted that empowering women in politics not only promotes fairness and equality but also enhances the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of governmental institutions. “Through concerted efforts to address these disparities, by dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity in political arenas, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the voices and needs of all its citizens”, he stressed. He also noted that IPC’s initiatives in the realm of democracy have significantly contributed to enhancing the media’s pivotal role as a primary influencer in elections. These efforts have focused on enhancing the capabilities of both the media and female candidates nationwide, empowering them to effectively leverage the media’s influence in promoting democracy. Notably, these endeavours have yielded commendable results, with some beneficiaries, particularly female lawmakers, successfully securing seats in the States House of Assembly during the 2023 Elections. To mitigate the high attrition rates of women in elections, Mr. Arogundade emphasized the importance of key stakeholders advocating for gender-equitable policies, initiating voter education campaigns on gender equality, and addressing feminized poverty through economic equality initiatives. SGD: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org

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#PressFreedom, 2023 Elections, end impunity, IDEI, News, Nigeria Elections, Press Release, Safety of journalists

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

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

Information Integrity, News, Nigeria Elections, Press Release

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

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

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

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

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Press Release

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

Press Release, Press Statement

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

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

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

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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

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Press Statement

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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

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