NPAN Elects Guardian Publisher, Maiden Alex-Ibru, as New President

Seeks immediate action on national security

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has elected The Guardian Publisher, Maiden Alex-Ibru, as its new President, replacing Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, Chairman of Media Trust, who has completed his second term as leader of the organisation.

Aside from Alex-Ibru, others elected alongside were: Mr. Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay, as Deputy President, while the former Treasurer and Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, was elected Vice President.

Besides, Ahmed Shekarau, Group Chief Executive Officer of Trust Media, was elected Treasurer, even as the Chairman of Punch, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, retained her post as General Secretary.

Similarly, the Editor-in-Chief of Leadership, formerly Assistant Secretary, Azu Ishiekwene, was redesignated Organising Secretary, while  Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, retained her post as Publicity Secretary. 

In the same vein, Mr. Ayodele Aminu, Managing Director of The Telegraph newspaper, and Prince Dennis Sami, publisher of Pilot, retained their positions as ex-officio members; while the Chairman of Leadership, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, was elected as an ex-officio member. 

A statement signed by the new President, Alex-Ibru,  as well as General Secretary, Emuwa, stated that Malam Yusuf, chairman of Media Trust, who completed his second term as President was commended for his exemplary leadership and service, and is now a member of the NPAN Board of Trustees. 

NPAN, a leading media organisation representing newspaper publishers in Nigeria, has as its mission the promotion of press freedom, journalistic excellence, and national development.

At the end of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2025, which it said was marked by crucial discussions on the state of the nation, media responsibility, and the election of a new executive council, the association stated that there was a solemn moment of silence in memory of the late Dan Agbese, a veteran journalist, a co-founder of Newswatch Magazine and a committed member of the association.

As part of its resolutions, the association noted that it reviewed the economy, commending the government’s structural reforms while also expressing concern that the removal of petrol subsidy and the removal of arbitrage through the unification of the forex windows had exposed citizens to severe economic hardship.

The association called on the government to take steps to mitigate the impact of economic reforms by effectively managing inflation. NPAN also called on the three tiers of government to rein in the high costs of governance and corruption. 

On tax reforms, NPAN took note of the concerns expressed on the issue, while acknowledging the potential positive impact of broadening the tax net. However, the association called for improved public awareness and advised that additional revenues should be managed transparently and used to improve citizens’ welfare.  

“The association expressed deep regret over heightened insecurity in the country and condemned the killings of senior military officers and the abduction of yet another set of school girls. The association urged the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the murder of Brigadier General Musa Uba to ensure national lessons are learned and accountability is established. NPAN emphasised the necessity for decisive government action to address economic hardship and stabilise the security situation across all the regions.

“NPAN reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, expressing concerns over the shrinking democratic space and threats to the multi-party democratic system. The association highlighted the foundational importance of free and fair elections, an independent judiciary and the rule of law to a functional democracy. 

“It reiterated the vital role of the media in holding the government accountable and expressed deep concerns over the inadequate regulation of online media platforms. NPAN reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria,” the statement added.