The Nigerian government has pledged to provide unfettered access and enabling environment to journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, at a joint press conference with the Minister of Environment Dr. Adebayo Salako, and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Abuja, to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, said press freedom is not just a fundamental human right.
“It is also essential for environmental sustainability,” he stated, adding that “Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face.”
According to him, in the face of crisis, journalists as guardians of truth and champions of accountability, “illuminate environmental injustices, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.
“Through their investigative reporting, they hold governments and corporations accountable for their actions and advocate for policies that promote sustainability and safeguard our planet.”
The minister who described the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, which is: “A press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis,” as apt, acknowledged the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their assignment.
He noted that as defenders, journalists are often confronted with threats, harassment, and violence, and as well, exposed to other environmental crimes.
“As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security,” Alhaji Idris demanded.
He however called for responsible journalism, and warned against disinformation and misinformation, which he said, undermine public understanding of environmental issues and hinder the ability to take meaningful action.
The minister pledged that government would always defend press freedom and support the work of journalists who are dedicated to reporting the truth.
“It a call for the press to uphold the tenets of journalism by being factual, truthful and responsible in their reporting,” he said.
Minister of Environment Dr. Salako, stated that the principles of a free and independent press are sine qua non for effective climate journalism.
“Press freedom is indispensable to promote transparency, accountability and social justice, critical to communicating the threat posed by climate crisis and making informed decisions to be more environmentally responsible,” the minister added.
He called on journalists to be in the forefront of driving environmental policy formulation, implementation, and in shaping public perception about environmental issues.
World Press Day: FG Vows To Always Defend Press Freedom
