Abuja: The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised concern over the recent cases of media repression in the country. Mr Musililu Mojeed, President, IPI Nigeria, raised the alarm at a dinner organised by the institute to honour one of its members and a retired Director of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. The event also marked the retirement of her identical twin sister, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a Director. Speaking at the event, Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, cited recent incidents of banning live political programs in Kano state and the arrest of journalists in Ekiti and Niger states as concerning examples of media repression.
Mojeed noted that the Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted a Channels TV crew, including a journalist and a cameraman, from the press center inside the Government House in Uyo. This action was reportedly taken following the publication of a video clip in which the governor confirmed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Additionally, a journalist in Kebbi state, Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa, was detained after exposing neglect in a hospital, and former ‘This Day’ employee Azuka Ogujiuba was reportedly arrested and harassed by the police for his work.
Mojeed called for continued advocacy and activism to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism in Nigeria. He emphasized that efforts to safeguard journalists’ rights are crucial in the country’s media landscape, especially as Sani’s retirement comes at a critical time when the sector faces numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.
The Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognizing Sani’s contributions, noting that the gesture also reflects positively on the entire VON team. He described Sani as a professional journalist who successfully transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to Ndace, Sani’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness. He praised her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.
Mr Garba Shehu, former Special Adviser on Media to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described Sani’s retirement as a significant loss for the organization but a potential gain for other sectors of journalism. He praised her as a strong and young professional with much to contribute to the field, highlighting her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others succeed.
Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Sani’s dedication and expertise, which have earned her recognition and respect in the industry. He was particularly impressed by her efforts during the IPI World Congress, hosted in Abuja in 2018.
On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34-year career in public service. She reflected on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, highlighting the importance of dedication, a clear vision, and family support.
Sani emphasized the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry. Despite retiring from active public service, she assured that she would remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.
NAN reports that Sani’s dedication to her work and her commitment to excellence have been hallmarks of her career, which started with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) before joining VON.