By Celine Samuel, The Sight News
ABUJA: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the United Nations Education,Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday, marked the World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rd to be world Press Day, to raise awareness on the importance of freedom of the press and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
On this occasion the Director General of UNESCO, madam Audrey Azoulay who was represented by Mr Yao Ydo spoke about the need for journalists to be vigilant in their work.
She urged Nigerians to act and work together to protect the freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.
Also, the National president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Mr Isiguzo Christopher in a brief remark based on the theme of the 2019 World Press Freedom Day, “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”, stated that the media plays a very important role in the development of any country.
He stated that Journalists and media experts must be given utmost safety in the delivery of their duties and also complete freedom of speech.
For his part, the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Police Force, Mr. Frank Mba, who spoke on the role of the media in promoting democracy, praised the media for having done well during the last general elections.
He however pleaded with the media not to encourage fake news, and assured that the Nigerian police will do anything humanly possible to support them.
