A South West chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has used the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day to praise Nigerian journalists for their doggedness, courage and perseverance in performing the watchdog role in the society despite many hindrances and inconveniences.
Afripost reports that the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 of every year as World Press Freedom Day.
The day was set aside in order to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The theme for this year World Press Freedom Day is: “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
Oguntoyinbo in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday said Nigerian Journalists over the years have been bold and courageous, saying if not for their perseverance and selfless services Nigeria would not have been able to attain the current democracy.
He called on governments at all levels to always allow freedom of expression and freedom of the press, for journalists to perform their primary role of speaking for the voiceless without any hindrance.
He also called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Guild of Editors and other media stakeholders to fashion out an insurance scheme for Nigerian Journalists.
He urged the NUJ to put in the front burner efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian Journalists.
“I celebrate and feel proud to associate with Nigerian Journalists as the country observe this year’s edition of the World Press Freedom Day.
“Your doggedness, courage, selfless services and determination in the face of risk to your lives and that of your family brought us this democracy.
“As we observe the World Press Freedom Day, I want to encourage you to continue to perform your expected roles. You have remained the pillars upon which majority of Nigerians especially the downtrodden rest on to survive.
“I also called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists to always strive for better conditions of work for journalists especially in this hard time.
“To the governments, both states and the Federal, my advice is that they should allow freedom of expression, freedom of press and good environment for journalists to disseminate information to the society.
“We use this occasion to remind the governments that democracy and freedom of press are Siamese twins and for the twins to survive, we must keep them together and nurture them”.