Protocols:
Distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen
On behalf of my humble self, all our colleagues in IPI at home and elsewhere, I am delighted to congratulate our brother, friend and mentor to so many, Mr. Dimeji Kayode Adedeji, on the 8th annual anniversary lecture of PENPUSHING Newspaper.
This is indeed, a proud moment for me not just as President of IPI Nigeria but also as a journalist. The reason is simple: PENPUSHING Newspaper has distinguished itself and survived in our industry despite all odds, while maintaining the most critical elements of our profession: facts, fairness, and balance, all hallmarks in the pursuit of ethical and responsible Journalism.
In IPI Nigeria, we remain resolute on leaving no stone unturned in the propagation of those principles that ensure that the media space continues to operate robustly without harassment, intimidation or gags that deny Journalists the right to their freedoms to tell truth to power, to practice their professions or to inform the society in which they are also stakeholders.
In this regard, I encourage Journalists across the country to step up their advocacy for and practice of credible, ethical, balanced and unblemished reportage, especially as we inch closer to the 2027 general elections.
There is no doubt that any society where credible, fact-based news is prioritised, the entire society prospers. People become better informed and thus are able to make informed decisions regarding their choices. We are the only profession mandated by our constitution to provide this service to all Nigerians.
While we continue to deepen our advocacy for dialogue to resolve infractions, we as Journalists owe it to ourselves to first rise above board-Fact Check every information before going to press.
Kindly permit me to also use this opportunity to encourage our security agencies and politicians-in office or in waiting: Do not see the Media as against you or your aspiration: we present the facts to the public to make decision. We should therefore work in concert not at cross purposes.
That way, we all ensure that our democracy not only survives but thrives and prospers for the good of all our people.
We would not relent in standing up to persons or groups who attempt to muscle the media under any guise. Such persons or groups should remember that IPI Nigeria has a Book of Infamy, launched in December 2025 to name and shame those who impune or deter the constitutional mandate of the media to execute its professional accountability functions.
Once again, on behalf of my colleagues in IPI Nigeria, I congratulate PENPUSHING Newspaper for achieving this milestone.
I urge you to keep the flag flying higher and continue to use your platforms to propel advocacy for the safety of Journalists, freedom of the press and the rights of Nigerians to read, listen to or watch different perspectives, as we collectively strive to build a more equitable and just society.
I thank you for your kind attention.
Musikilu Mojeed
President, IPI Nigeria
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