Johannesburg:The Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Press Council, Mrs. Chinyere Facah, has been elected as a member of the Board of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Facah was elected during the inaugural Assembly and Second Annual General Meeting of NIMCA, which took place from September 14 to September 21 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She represented the Nigerian Press Council at this significant continental event.
Facah’s election to the board is expected to bolster efforts in advancing independent media regulation and ethical journalism across Africa. She expressed her commitment to contributing positively to NIMCA’s objectives and maintaining professional standards.
In her statement following the election, Facah expressed gratitude to Dr. Dili Ezughah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, for the opportunity to represent Nigeria. She pledged to work diligently, aiming to make both her country and the Nigerian Press Council proud.
Dr. Phathiswa Magopeni, NIMCA Board Chairperson, highlighted concerns about the deteriorating press freedom environment in parts of Africa, citing issues like censorship, violence against journalists, and restrictive legislation in countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Magopeni emphasized the importance of strong, independent media councils in safeguarding public trust and defending human rights.
NIMCA, founded in 2024, serves as a platform for media councils across the continent to share operational strategies, strengthen self-regulatory systems, and collaborate with international organizations, including UNESCO, to promote inclusive media standards.