The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, says media freedom, access to public information and freedom of expression are crucial to democracy and must be at the heart of the Nigerian government’s values and actions.
In a press statement signed by its President, Mr. Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, NGE also called on the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.
The body of editors and media executives in Nigeria also says it recognizes the crucial role played by journalists, media workers as well as free and independent media in protecting the country’s democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.
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World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 3rd. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, and it helps to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and also pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
