Hope rises for better journalism practice as IPI summit opens

As the 67th World Congress and General Assembly of the International Press Institute (IPI) opens today in Abuja, there is high expectation that the conference will address critical challenges affecting journalism practice across the world, especially in a country like Nigeria.

Over 300 top journalists, media executives, publishers and communication experts are expected to participate in the summit.

The three-day event with the theme “Why Journalism Matters”, would discuss hate speeches, press freedom and quality journalism, among other issues.

This is the first time the congress is holding in Africa more than 70 years after the establishment of the institute.

Founded in 1950, the IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists dedicated to furthering and safeguarding press freedom, promoting the free flow of news and information, and improving the practices of journalism.

The hosting of the congress in Nigeria and the theme is very apt especially as the 2019 general elections approach.

The media plays a critical role in not only deepening and institutionalizing democracy but in building an informed society. Citizens need credible information from a media that can skillfully moderate debate and provoke meaningful conversations that can lead to transforming Africa.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, despite being seen as one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant media landscapes on the continent still face numerous challenges ranging from arrest of journalists by security agencies, casualisation and non-payment of workers salaries, among others.