Media
THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for upholding democracy in the country.
The speaker said this at the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2024 held in Abuja on Saturday night.
He said, “It is remarkable and instructive that the theme of the 2024 Press Week is “Nexus between Press Freedom and Good Governance.”
The speaker said the focus underscored the role of the media in advancing governance, democracy, and development in the society.
According to Abbas, it also underscores the universal recognition of the media as the fourth estate of the realm.
He said the 10th assembly recognised the integral place of a free and responsible press in the activities of the government, resulting in its resolve to strengthen media freedom and operations.
This, according to him, is through its legislative agenda, aimed at reviewing laws and practices that restrict the press in the discharge of their constitutional duties in an unfettered and independent manner.
Also, the Benue Governor, Rev. Fr. Alia Hyacinth, said he was indebted to Nigerian journalists in the quest for democratic governance.
He added that their relentlessness in the quest for democratic governance should be commended.
According to him, journalists are needed in every society, as they would expose those not doing the right things.
He expressed gratitude to the NUJ for recognising his work, inspite of not showing interest in being recognised.
“I am indebted to NUJ because when you work not minding whether you are recognised or not, and someone sees it and acknowledges it, it’s a huge favour.
“So, we all have a role to play in democracy; it must be fought for and defended, and I remain indebted to journalists.
Prof. Babagana Zulum, Borno Governor, said journalists in Borno had been given security support due to a decade of insurgency, which bedeviled the state.
“Our journalists are given security support in the course of their duty. Borno is transiting from crisis reporting to transformation reporting.
“So, Journalists in Borno are now freely doing their jobs and the state government has given them the needed support.
Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Malagi, said the Nigerian press that had always been free would remain free, inspite of being faced with some challenges before now.
He said that challenges had been solved and would always be solved, adding that the Nigerian press would always be free.
“The president said he is also a product of the free press and would not allow the free press to be trampled upon in Nigeria.
Mr Chris Isiguzo, the President of NUJ, said; “Press freedom is not just a constitutional provision but the bedrock of transparency and social justice.”
He said it was the duty of the press to shine the light in the darkest corners and hold the powerful accountable.
Isiguzo also stressed that press freedom was not just a privilege but a fundamental human right for a healthy democracy. (NAN)
F.A
May 5, 2024
