The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has raised concerns over rising media repression in Nigeria, citing recent cases of harassment, arrests, and censorship of journalists. The warning came during a dinner held on Saturday in Abuja to honour Hadiza Hussaina Sani, the retiring Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria and Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, said the event was an opportunity to recognise Ms Sani’s contributions while drawing attention to ongoing threats to press freedom. He referenced the eviction of a Channels TV crew by the Akwa Ibom State Government over coverage of a political defection, the arrest of Foundation for Investigative Journalism reporter Sodiq Atanda in Ekiti State, and repeated police harassment of former THISDAY journalist Azuka Ogujiuba. Mojeed also cited the arrest of Nasiru Hassan of the Iranian News Agency and an attack on Badegi 90.1 FM by the Niger State governor.
“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” Mojeed said, urging Nigerian journalists to continue advocating for press freedom and the protection of media workers. He noted that Ms Sani’s retirement coincides with a challenging period for the sector and encouraged her to remain involved in media advocacy.
The Director-General of VON, Jibrin Baba Ndace, described Ms Sani as a professional who successfully transitioned from traditional to digital journalism, leading VON’s digital department and enhancing its global competitiveness. Ndace said her career exemplified dedication, innovation, and leadership, which has served as a model for younger journalists.
Garba Shehu, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, described Ms Sani as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism,” praising her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to mentorship. Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, also commended her career-long dedication.
Ms Sani, who retired after 34 years in public service, expressed gratitude to God, her family, IPI Nigeria, and VON for their support. She reflected on the challenges of adapting to new technologies, stressing the importance of dedication, vision, and resilience for media professionals.
“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service,” she said. “I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it. I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space.”
Ms Sani’s career began at the Nigeria Television Authority before she joined VON, and her contributions to the IPI, including organising the 2018 World Congress in Nigeria, were highlighted as part of her legacy in promoting press freedom and excellence in journalism.
