The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has restated Federal Government’s commitment to safeguard press freedom and rights of journalists across the country.
Idris said this in his speech at Press Freedom and Good Governance Award 2024, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday night in Abuja.
The minister, who was the Chairman of the event, said he was deeply honoured by the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award upon him by the NUJ, which he described as his immediate constituency.
According to him the award holds profound significance for him and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“This year’s theme of World Press Freedom Day resonates deeply with our ministry’s vision and President Tinubu’s priority areas.
“The areas include restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media.
“It underscores the crucial role of journalism in addressing the environmental crisis”, he said.
According to him, in this moment of environmental crisis, the role of media transcends mere reporting; it embodies a commitment to mobilising mass action for the common good.
“With the power to inform, educate, and inspire, the media has the unparalleled ability to ignite movements, elevate voices, and effectuate behavioral change toward the environment.
“I want to reaffirm our sustained commitment to safeguarding press freedom, promoting diverse opinions, and protecting the rights of journalists.
“Let us redouble our efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, press freedom is upheld, and our planet is safeguarded for generations to come,” Idris said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that categories of awards include Touch Bearers of Press Freedom, Defender of Press Freedom and Best Investigative Reporter of the Year.
Others were LIFE Time Achievement Awards and Good Governance Award.
While, Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue got the Good Governance award on Advocacy of the Masses and Human Rights, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno got the Good Governance Award on Education.
Also, the Good Governance Award for transparency went to Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPCL.
Others that clinched the Torch Bearer of Press Freedom Awards include, Edwin Philip of Breeze FM Lafia, Pauline Kuje Vana of NTA Maiduguri and Tayo Ikujuni of NAN.
Others were Mustapha Batsari of VOA Hausa Service, Gabriel Idibia of Daybreak Newspaper, Adekola Namgbala, Allah el-Kurebe and Publisher of Wikki Times, Mohammed Salisu
NAN also reports that while the awards for Defender of Press Freedom went to a veteran journalist, Gbenga Onayiga, the Anyim Ude Prize for the best Investigative Reporter went to Umar Audi of Daily Nigerian Newspaper.
Similarly, the Good Governance Award for Mass Mobilisation went to the Directors-General of Nigerian Television Authority and Voice of Nigeria, Salisu Dembos and Jibrin Baba-Ndace respectively.
READ ALSO:
- SSACO slams Makinde’s display of cluelessness on making Oyo economy productive
- Beyond Government Borrowing: How the Capital Market can Unlock Opportunities to Finance Nigeria’s Infrastructure
- NIRSAL MFB Clarifies COVID-19 TCF iRepayment Process
- How Michael Carrick Went from Manchester United’s Saviour to Another Managerial Scapegoat
- ‘Issakaba: The Return’ Hits Cinemas 25 Years After Original Release
The National President of Nigerian Union of Teachers, Audi Amba got the Good Governance Award for Education, Planning and Leadership.
The Chief Executive Officer of National Bureau of Statistics, Mr Adeyemu Adeniran, got same award, but on Economic Development.
NAN reports that the event attracted people from all works of life including the National Assembly, media and other stakeholders. (NAN)
