WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY: NAWOJ DEMANDS PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS

Reporter : PAMELA IGWE

Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called on Media professionals to renew their commitment towards ensuring that the fundamental human rights, especially Freedom of expression, is respected.

The Vice President of the Association, South East Zone, Comrade Stella Igboka, made the call in a message to mark the 2021 World Press Freedom Day in Awka.

She observed with unhappiness that COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity and economic recession, had led to closure of some media houses.

Comrade Igboka maintained that constant attack, harassment and maiming of journalists in course of carrying out their legitimate assignments run contrary to the fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.

She noted that If journalists faced harassment, violence and threats, women in the journalism Profession faced greater risks due to their gender and called for special safety training for women journaLists

Comrade Igboka described the theme for the 2021 World Press Freedom Day, “Information as a public Good,” as very relevant, especially now that the public is battling with discerning verified information from the falsehoods that had flooded the internet and called on journalists to live up to their responsibilities.