- Buhari felicitates with media, counsels journalists
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria is holding a one-day symposium to commemorate the 2022 World Press Freedom Day, a press statement issued by the body’s Secretary, Ahmed I. Shekarau, has announced.
The statement said that a former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Prof. Tonnie Iredia, will be the guest speaker at the symposium. The statement said further that Prof. Iredia, who is now a lecturer in Mass Communication at the Nasarawa State University, will speak on “What Journalists and Media in Nigeria Need to Do to Keep Safe, Retain Credibility and be Sustainable”.
The statement lists as panelists to discuss the former NTA DG’s presentation, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Hon. Muhammad Sani Zorro; President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ladi Bala and the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The panel discussion, according to the statement, will be moderated by the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene.
According to the statement, the event, which is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Area 8, Garki, Abuja, will be graced by top media leaders, editors and reporters, and is to kick off at 10am.
It also announced that provision has been made for remote participation by stakeholders who may not be at the venue of the event. The Zoom link for virtual participation is as follows:
Meeting ID: 879 0558 3791
Passcode: qV94NB
The statement said that IPI Nigeria will be hosting the World Press Freedom Day symposium in collaboration with the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
IPI Nigeria is an affiliate of IPI, with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, which is a global network of media executives, editors and leading journalists, established in 1950, to crusade for media freedom in every corner of the world. Members of the body are totally committed to credible and independent journalism, media freedom, freedom of speech and the free flow of news and information.
Buhari felicitates with media, counsels journalists
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, observed every year on May 3, President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with the Nigerian media, and recognizes their role in strengthening democracy.
The President salutes the courage and determination of those who daily go the extra time, sometimes at great personal risks, to keep the society well informed.
In fostering the pursuit of journalism in the country, President Buhari reiterates the Nigerian government’s commitment to freedom of the press, pledging to continue ensuring the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the lawful performance of their professional duties.
He charges the Nigerian Press to use World Press Freedom Day to reflect on the need to embrace the best professional standards and practices, especially in the build-up to the forthcoming general elections.
He notes that the free performance of media roles and responsibilities during the electoral process is as important as the sanctity and will of Nigerians, expressed through the ballot box.
With the elections in sight, the President urges the media to be mindful of sponsored political news or publications capable of inciting hatred, division, violence, and chaos in the country, while also ensuring that the electoral umpire and other stakeholders play their roles in delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections to Nigerians.
‘‘We must stay united in supporting media professionals who work hard to de-escalate violent conflict and promote peaceful societies without compromising the responsibility to report,’’ he said, urging government information managers to ensure that the press and the general public have access to facts and figures of government information, without tears.
In line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, ”Journalism under digital siege,” President Buhari assures that government agencies under his watch will always stand against actions that are capable of limiting the preservation of the freedom of the Press guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President says the Federal Government is working hard to support media organizations in Nigeria through provision of better internet access to underserved communities, and achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.
On behalf of Nigerians, President Buhari thanks members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm whose diligent work help in guaranteeing peace, stability, and progress in the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
