Nasarawa: World Press Freedom Day

By Chris Nyamtu
Media professionals in Nasarawa State have advocated establishment of sustainable policies and strict enforcement of laws to provide sasafetyurrtfinalistssts to pave way for steady development and democracy in the country.
The media experts who spoke on the sidelines of 2023 World Press Freedom Day also called the on government to initiate a special welfare package for women journalists as part of steps towards ensuring freedom of the press.
For many decades, the press, regarded as the fourth estate of the realm has been operating under er series of challenges occasioned by poor welfare, lack of independence, attacks harassment by state non-statemateactors across the world.
As part of efforts to allow seamless services for the people, the United Nations’ actions declared the third of May every year as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of the media in strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights to enhance growth and development.
No doubt, over the years, media professionals in Nasarawa State like their colleagues around the country have been facing challenges ranging from remuneration and lack lack of working tools to inadequate logistics.
Chairman and Chief Executive of a private radio station, Breeze FM Lafia Nasarawa State, Dr Nawani Aboki while recounting his experience which according to him, was terrific when his radio station was completely demolished in 2017 for allegedly broadcasting content that was not favourable to the powers that be said the action was uncalled for.
He called on the government to see the role of private media stations as complementary to the development of the nation hence the need to give them adequate protections to serve the citizens.
A veteran journalist, Mr Allahnana who had practised with the Nigerian Standard newspaper for over three decades stated that the only way democracy, rule of law and accountability can prevail in governance was to eliminate unnecessary impediments to guarantee independence and freedom for traditional media outlets in the country
Chairman Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Nasarawa State Mr Isaac Ukpoju pointed out that freedom and independence of the press had continued to decline stressing the need for urgent steps to change the narrative.
Also speaking, Nasarawa State Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Hajiya Hadeeza Umar expressed concern that due to increasing hostility against media workers, women journalists were reluctant to go out to the field for investigative news gathering.
Hajiya Hadeeza Umar stressed the need for leaders at all levels to be open to the media devoid of restrictions from the state and none actors.