By Blessing Obam, JKNMedia Reporter
AMIDST growing concerns over the deteriorating state of media freedom in Nigeria, four prominent human rights and media support organizations have joined forces to advocate for urgent action from both federal and state governments.
These organizations, including Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Global Rights: Advocates for Sustainable Justice, the International Press Centre (IPC), and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), are raising their voices ahead of the 2024 edition of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD 2024).
In a statement released jointly by the collaborating entities, they emphasized the vital role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, good governance, and democracy, and also stressed the need for immediate measures to safeguard media freedom as well as ensure the safety of journalists across the country.
To mark the 2024 WPFD, the organizations have planned separate events in Lagos and Abuja.
In Lagos, a hybrid convening titled: “The Imperative of Media Freedom for Democratic Governance” will take place.
The event aims to bring together various stakeholders from the media industry, civil society groups, academia, and others in which attendees will participate both physically and virtually, engaging in activities such as sharing experiences of journalists who have faced attacks, presentations of the importance of counselling for affected journalists, and discussions on civil society efforts to protect media freedom and journalist safety.
Simultaneously, a webinar titled: “Freedom of the Press in Peril – Raising the Bar to Press Freedom in Nigeria” will be hosted in Abuja by Global Rights in collaboration with MRA and the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
This virtual event, the statement reads, seeks to initiate a dialogue on safeguarding press freedoms in Africa and improving the operational environment for journalists, not only in Nigeria, but across the continent.
Participants will explore global best practices and strategies for domesticating them to enhance the accessibility for Nigerian journalists and media professionals.
The significance of WPFD, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, serves as a reminder to governments worldwide of their commitment to press freedom and the creation of a safe environment for journalism and media practice.
Director of MRA, Mr Edetaen Ojo, reiterated the organization’s dedication to upholding the fundamental principles of free speech and independent journalism, as he emphasized the necessity of creating an environment where media professionals can carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.
IPC Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists in Nigerian, including censorship, intimidation, violence, and online harassment.
Despite these obstacles, Arogundade, commended the resilience and courage of journalists who persist in seeking the truth.
Dr. Akin Akingbulu, executive director, CEMESCO, called upon governments, civil society groups, and individuals to join hands in defending press freedom and ensuring that information remains a public good accessible to all.
As the world observes the WPFD on May 3, these collaborative efforts, the joint organizations state, stresses the unwavering commitment to protecting press freedom and advancing democratic principles in Nigeria and beyond.
