PRESS FREEDOM DAY: LAGOS NUJ SEEKS BETTER ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR JOURNALISTS
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council led by Mr Adeleye Ajayi has commended the doggedness of journalists and stakeholders in the media profession, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2021 Press Freedom Day.
The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day which is ‘Information as a Public Good’ summarises the unique roles and importance of journalism to every society including Nigeria.
Unfortunately, the journey towards the attainment of a viable free press in Nigeria appears to be endless, as journalists suffered series of attacks that had sent some to their early graves.
Over the past 15 years, more than 1,200 journalists have been killed globally for reporting the news and bringing information to the public.
We say ‘NO’ to maltreatment, and unlawful detention of journalists, who have dedicated their lives to the pen profession.
It has become more necessary than ever before that the struggle towards liberating the press becomes achievable in Nigeria.
Government is expected to promote press freedom as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
We recall the arrests of Agba Jalingo, Omoyele Sowore and Jones Abiri
As we mark World Press Freedom Day today, we must equally remember journalists that had lost their lives in the pursuit of stories
We remember Bayo Ohu, Godwin Agboroko, Dele Giwa, Edo Ugbagwu and Abdul Ganiyu Lawal.
We also remember Alex Ogbu, Precious Owolabi, Ikechukwu Onubogu, Lawrence Okojie and Famous Giobaro.
May their souls and souls of others not listed here rest in peace.
We hereby call on government to remember and celebrate our fallen heroes who sacrificed a lot for the pen profession.
Government should secure justice for families of journalists murdered for their works.
Dear colleagues, we urge you all to be steadfast in discharging your constitutional duties as members of the fourth estate of the realm.
We equally urge media owners and practitioners to find lasting solutions to issue of unpaid salaries of journalists, running into months and years.
This is unprofessional, and has to be nipped in the bud forthwith.
It is also time the National Assembly moves to ensure that journalists’ retirement age is reviewed upward to 65 years in line with that of teachers.
Both professionals belong to same academic bracket.
Special tribute to those people helping journalists to uncover the biggest stories of injustice, corruption, abuse of power, rights violations and societal rot.
We must also work closely to eradicate fake news and sanction the perpetrators who are at the verge of damaging the integrity of the media.
Fake news can throw a nation into chaos and an endless war.
It is very unethical to transmit any news item that is divisive and contentious.
We should send news items that will promote national unity, patriotism and progress of the nation.
We are, however, optimistic that a bright future awaits the Nigerian press.
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