Press Freedom: Isiguzo Urges Media, Stakeholders to Defend Rights of Journalists

*Zulum bags NUJ’s 2024 good governance award in education

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, has called on media organisations and critical stakeholders in the country to uphold press freedom by defending the rights of journalists to work without fear of censorship, harassment and violence.
This is as he described press freedom as essential for democracy, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
The NUJ national president stated this yesterday during a training for journalists in Bauchi state to mark the World Press Freedom Day that held at the NUJ secretariat Bauchi.

Isiguzo, represented by an ex-officio of the Bauchi State Council, Abubakar  Waziri urged journalists to play their role as watchdogs of society, holding power to account, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of the marginalised and vulnerable.
He stressed that despite facing numerous challenges, including threats, intimidation, and attacks, journalists continue to demonstrate courage, resilience, and professionalism in the pursuit of truth and justice.

He further urged stakeholders in the country to ensure journalists’ safety and wellbeing,  ensure their security, especially those reporting on sensitive or dangerous topics such as environmental issues as well as provide training, resources, and legal support to journalists facing threats or attacks.
Isiguzo  said that the  environmental crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of the present time with far-reaching implications for the planet and future generations.

He added that from climate change and deforestation to pollution and biodiversity loss, the threats facing the environment are complex and urgent.
“This year’s theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” underscores the crucial role of journalists in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
“The NUJ joins the global community in commemorating this Special Day and reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and advocating for the rights and safety of journalists across the country.

“Journalism, therefore has a critical role to play in raising awareness, fostering public debate, and catalysing action to address these issues,” he stated.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Bauchi State Council of the union, Umar Sa’idu, urged journalists  to continue to uphold the ethics of the profession and contribute towards promoting the ideals of democracy, justice, accountability, peace and unity in the country.
He stressed that they should utilise the enabling element of freedom of expression to protect human rights as the watchdogs of the society and voice of the voiceless.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana  Zulum, has won the Nigerian NUJ Good Governance Award 2024 on education.
At the event, which was tagged “NUJ Press Freedom and Governance Award”, 18 journalists and public servants who have distinguished themselves in their careers were honoured.

Presenting the award to Zulum, at an event held at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja, on Saturday, the National President of NUJ, Isiguzo, noted that the award was in recognition of Zulum’s laudable achievements in the development of the educational sector and good governance he has provided for the people of Borno.
According to the NUJ President, Zulum has over the years, embarked on innovative intervention and aggressive investment in the education sector of Borno State
A statement said Zulum had since 2019 executed 124 projects in the education sector, including the construction of over 30 new mega schools and the rehabilitation of 1,087 classrooms in several schools across the state.

“Zulum has recruited over 4,000 new teachers, deployed strategies to reduce out-of-school children from 2 million children to 800,000 in 2024 and has approved over N4 billion as scholarship for local and foreign education to Borno indigenes,” he said.

Responding after receiving the award, Zulum, who was represented by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, expressed appreciation to the organisers for finding him worthy of the award.

He said: ” It is amazing to be rewarded for managing a crisis and rebuilding a state like Borno State, which is coming out of a decade-long violent insurgency. The Borno restoration project focuses on bold and sustained investment in all sectors of society.

“Press freedom constitutes an important booster of the Building Borno Back and Better initiative. In Borno State, journalists are granted free space and access to information to carry out their duties and write stories that will enlighten society and influence public policy,” Zulum said.

The event was attended by the Governor of Benue State, Rev Hyacinth Alia, the Speaker of Federal House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Chairman House Committee on Information and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Also present were: Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission Abuja, Ms Gill Lever, Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON);  Barnabas Gemade and Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja.