JOURNALISTS around the world risk their freedom and even their lives to deliver factual news to their communities.
Likewise, our Communities face multiple crises: conflicts and violence, socio-economic inequalities, environmental crises and challenges to the health and wellbeing of people.
At the same time, proliferation of disinformation and misinformation online and offline pose serious danger on the Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights.
However, to counter these critical situations and threats, that PRESS FREEDOM, SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS and ACCESS TO INFORMATION must take centre stage. The RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a prerequisite and a driver to the enjoyment of all other Human Rights.
The proliferation of independent media in the country and the rise of digital technologies have enabled the FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION. However, MEDIA FREEDOM, SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS and FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION are increasingly under attack, which is having negative impact on Human Rights.
As we celebrate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, with the theme “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, signifies the enabling element of FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION to enjoy and protect all other Human Rights.
It is a call to recentre PRESS FREEDOM, as well as INDEPENDENT, PLURALISTIC and DIVERSE MEDIA, as key to the enjoyment of all other Human Rights.
It will be recalled that the World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3rd of May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
Today acts as a reminder to GOVERNMENTS of the need to respect their commitment to PRESS FREEDOM. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of PRESS FREEDOM and PROFESSIONAL ETHICS.
It is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of PRESS FREEDOM, assess the state of PRESS FREEDOM throughout the world, DEFEND THE MEDIA FROM ATTACKS on their independence and pay TRIBUTE to Journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
As we join the rest of the world to celebrate this special day we must educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address our common problems.
On this Day, we must salute the courage of Journalists in Kwara State and beyond who educate, inform, and engage our Communities. A FREE and INDEPENDENT PRESS helps citizens understand the events that shape their lives and promotes a diversity of ideas and opinions.
At DAILY LINKS DIGITAL MEDIA, we remain committed to supporting positive momentum in Nigeria’s media landscape. We VALUE and PROUD of Journalists who are committed to the cause of liberating the society.
Truly, the work of FREE and INDEPENDENT MEDIA is more important today than ever before.
HAPPY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2023 CELEBRATION!!!