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From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Freedom of expression and media are what Nigeria, Africa and the world need to strengthen their democracies and tear down the walls of tyranny as well as bad governance.
Senator Kola Balogun, representing Oyo South in the National Assembly, made the disclosure in the lecture, entitled: ‘Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other Human Rights’, which he delivered at the 30th edition of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) lecture, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), ‘B’ Zone, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday.
The lecture was attended by Secretary for the ‘B’ Zone, Abdulrasaq Alege, as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of NUJ in the zone, comprising Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States
According to him, “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are Siamese Twins. Media are only free when there is a deliberate attempt to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed in human societies. Media is a platform for wide-ranging debates on war and peace as well as freedom from tyranny. Freedom of expression and media are what we need to strengthen our democracies and tear down the walls of tyranny and bad governance across the globe.
“A democratic media is needed because it gives us hope and chronicles the movements and organizations that are making history. It gives voice to the voiceless and encourage people to get involved in their struggles to make a difference. Social change will not come from the minds of the Commander-in-Chief, the generals or Mr. President; in fact, change is vulnerable to blockage by the powerful. Change begins with active common citizens, working in their communities.
“The media should not have to agree with persons or groups, government or the most powerful. It is the media responsibility to include all voices in the discourse and then allow the people to decide.
“Our Democrácy is going through a wobbling evolution, if we continue to work at it, we will get to the promised land no matter how long it takes. But this is not achievable without a vibrant, highly professional and ethical media platforms, devoid of sectoral corruption.
“Attractive remuneration and welfare package is the way out. Media educational institutions must be well funded and personal security of the practitioners be guaranteed. If media practitioners’ welfare is not a priority, journalist will cut corners, and compromise the standard of objectivity.
The Vice President of NUJ, ‘B’ Zone, Mrs. Aderonke Afebioye Samo, in her address, delivered by the NUJ Chairman, Oyo State Council, Ademola Babalola, advocated freedom of the press, protection of journalists in the country, and encouraging welfare packages for journalists in Nigeria.
She stated further: :Exactly 30 years ago, the United Nations’ General Assembly officially announced May 3rd of every year as an international day set aside to inform the citizenry of the violation of press freedom all over the World.
“The UN in its wisdom took this bold step as a result of incessant attacks, intimidations, harassment, deprivations, etc, suffered by journalists all over the World. This ugly trend portends a grave danger to information dissemination to the extent that journalists loose their jobs and even paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duty.
“The 1993 Declaration by the UN enables us to celebrate the principles of a free press, assess the state of press feedom in our localities and defend the media from attacks on their independence
Also importantly, this Declaration enables the media to recognise, celebrate and honour individuals, corporate bodies and instituions, who are vociferous in the defence, enhancement and promotion of a free press.
“The essence of this event is to further remind us on the need to do our stories with objectivity and the fear of God as an unbiased umpire does.”
Highlights of the celebration included presentation of the 2023 UNESCO Guillermo Cano Award to Senator Balogun based on his consistent support, defence and advocacy of a free press. The award was named after a Colombian journalist, Guillermo Cano, who was murdered in the course of the discharge of his duty. Fundraising for the construction of a permanent secretariat complex for the ‘B’ Zone of NUJ also kicked off during the lecture.
