As the World celebrates the 2024 Press Freedom Day, (WPFD), the Federal Government has assured journalists of protection of their rights and support in their mission to protect the environment and planet in general.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris gave the assurance in his speech at the joint Ministerial Press Briefing in celebration of the day on Friday in Abuja.
The Conference with the theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in Face of the Environment Crisis” was organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Newsspecng reports that those featured in the briefing include, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako and The UNESCO Country Representative, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo.
Another guest was the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Information Minister this year’s theme for the celebration is a call to action as we are confronted by an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude.
“This crisis poses a threat not only to our planet, but to the very future of humanity. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and others are harsh realities that demand immediate and decisive action.
“It is our conviction, that Press freedom (PF) is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability. Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face.
“And in the face of this crisis, journalists emerge as guardians of truth and champions of accountability. They illuminate environmental injustices, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our ministry’s vision and President Bola Tinubu’s priority areas, which prioritize restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media.
“We also acknowledge the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work. As environmental defenders, journalists often confront threats, harassment, and violence for their courageous efforts to expose environment.
“I wish to reassure you of our continued commitment to tirelessly promote the tenets of PF as well as supporting journalists in their mission to protect our planet,” Idris said.
He urged stakeholders to redouble their efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, PF is upheld, and the earth planet is safeguarded for generations to come.
He further reaffirmed Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security.
He stressed that the government has provided the most unfettered access to Journalists and the enabling environment that has continue to encourage the Nigeria media to grow in leaps and bounds.
In same vein, Salako said environmental crises have become so intense and gargantuan that it is at the core of most of the challenges been faced by humanity.
“Ignorance, lack of awareness and appropriate knowledge about the climate crisis is still rampant in our society.
“I call upon you, our dear friends in the media for more support in our drive for environmental advocacy and citizenship, so that all creatures on earth thrives in harmony with the planet.
“The press and journalists constitutes the framework for informing, educating, stimulating discussion, mobilizing and setting agenda for the public who are the employers of government.
“Therefore, we must remain persistent in our advocacy, awareness creation, sensitisation and educating the public,” Salako advocated.
Speaking, Onanuga said it was regrettable that Journalists in the country do not focus more energy on reporting the environment and called on them to start aggressive reports on the environment and climate change to save the environment and planet.
Meanwhile, Diallo commended Idris, Salako, Onanuga and the Nigerian Media, adding that the WPFD is a reminder for all governments and stakeholders to respect their commitments to PF.
“It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of PF and professional ethics. It is a day which celebrates the fundamental principles of PF to evaluate PF around the world to defend the media from attacks.
“It is also a day to pay tribute to journalists what have lost their lives in the line of their profession,” Diallo said.
