By Emmanuel Kwada
Vice President Kashim Shettima today underscored the pivotal role of Nigerian journalists as the nation’s first line of defense against authoritarian rule, delivering a powerful address at the 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria Annual Conference in Abuja.
Speaking to a gathering of editors, reporters, civil society leaders, and dignitaries, Shettima emphasized that press freedom remains a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The conference, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability,” convened at a well-attended event featuring a series of panel discussions and presentations.
In his keynote speech, Shettima praised the resilience of Nigeria’s media community, asserting that the vigilance of the press has historically prevented the emergence of a successful dictatorship in the country.
“No dictatorship thrives in Nigeria because the press stays alert and uncompromising,” he declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting journalists from harassment and intimidation.
The Vice President highlighted the administration’s dedication to fostering an independent press, describing it as “the amplifier of an engaged citizenry.”
He credited the media with playing a crucial role in easing societal tensions by correcting misinformation, a point underscored by the presence of both traditional and modern media representatives at the event.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, echoed Shettima’s sentiments, describing President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as “some of the most media-friendly leaders Nigeria has produced.”
Idris reaffirmed the government’s efforts to reinvigorate media-government relations and protect the nation’s information space, noting the establishment of a Regional Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute for Africa, to be hosted in Nigeria.
The institute, set to train journalists, educators, and citizens in ethical reporting and fact-checking, will operate as a neutral platform to combat disinformation across the continent.
The conference, which began today and is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, December 3, 2025, also featured a group photo of key figures, including Shettima and other government officials, symbolizing a united front in support of press freedom.
The event drew significant attention, with attendees including directors from major media organizations such as the Voice of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, and the News Agency of Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues to navigate challenges related to media repression and democratic accountability, today’s proceedings signal a renewed commitment from the Tinubu administration to uphold the principles of a free press.
The IPI Nigeria chapter, a network dedicated to defending press freedom and promoting journalistic standards, organized the conference, which included initiatives like the “Book of Infamy” to document press freedom violations.
