Nigeria to host inaugural IPI Africa bloc meeting, strengthening continental media ties

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria has been chosen to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc of the International Press Institute’s (IPI) National Committees.

The decision was finalised in Vienna, Austria, following discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and top IPI officials.

The IPI recently established regional blocs to enhance cooperation and address media challenges across continents.

Minister Idris emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to lead, pointing to its prominent role in promoting media freedom in Africa and its successful hosting of the 2018 IPI World Congress and General Assembly in Abuja.

Idris wrote on X, “We committed to this at the weekend in Vienna, Austria, during my meeting with the Chairman of the IPI Executive Board, Mr. Marton Gergely, IPI Executive Director, Mr. Scott Griffen, and IPI Executive Board Member representing Nigeria and Africa, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin.

“Last week during #IPIWoCo25 the IPI Board approved the creation of regional blocs of National Committees to deal with specific regional interests within the global IPI community.

“And now Nigeria is again showing leadership as we always do. It is indeed a great honour for us as Nigeria to accept to host this maiden African bloc meeting. Nigeria successfully hosted the IPI World Congress and General Assembly in Abuja in 2018, and we’re now ready for another world-class hosting.”