APPMEN Inaugurates Council of Patrons to Strengthen Private Media in Nigeria
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has inaugurated its Council of Patrons, National Advisory Council (NAC) and The Nigeria We Want Ambassadors, as part of efforts to strengthen the institutional development and sustainability of private media in Nigeria.
The investiture ceremony, held on September 24, 2026, in Abuja, marked what the association described as a significant step in its transition from an association into a national institution focused on private media development, recognition and sustainability.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Distinguished Senator Amb. Liyel Imoke, CON, emerged Chairman of the Council of Patrons and National Patron.
His Royal Highness, Amb. Dr. Joel Sabo Aninge, PhD, MFR, Odyong Nyankpa II, was invested as Grand Patron, while His Royal Highness, Amb. Alh. Baba Umar Faruq II, CFR, Emir of Katagum, became National Patron.
The association also constituted a National Advisory Council chaired by development expert, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, PhD, Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate in the 9th Assembly and Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).
Speaking on the development, APPMEN National Coordinator and Convener of The Nigeria We Want Project, Chief Precious Enebuse, said the new structure was designed to provide institutional support, national recognition and a sustainable framework for private media proprietors.
Enebuse said private media proprietors had operated for years without what he described as adequate institutional cover and a sustainable national structure.
He explained that the Council of Patrons would provide moral and strategic guidance, while the National Advisory Council would focus on policy, research and strategic engagement with government, development partners and international platforms.
According to him, the initiative is anchored on three objectives: strengthening the impact of private media as a tool for national development, securing recognition for APPMEN as a stakeholder in the Nigerian project, and ensuring the sustenance of the association beyond the present generation.
Enebuse expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers and former governor for accepting to support the association, describing their involvement as an important development in APPMEN’s institutional growth.
He also said the appointment of Igbuzor to chair the National Advisory Council would provide additional policy and intellectual direction to the association.
About APPMEN
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN), is an umbrella body for private media owners and digital content creators in Nigeria.
The association focuses on professionalism, press freedom, digital economy advocacy and national development, including through its flagship initiative, The Nigeria We Want Project.
