By Ade Iyamoye
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has issued a strong call for the protection of journalists and the removal of all barriers to the practice of professional journalism in the country.
In a statement released on Saturday, IPI Nigeria urged the federal and state governments, along with their agencies, to defend press freedom and resist any attempts to muzzle the media.
“We join journalists in Nigeria and across the globe in commemorating this vital day,” the statement read. “We call on security agencies to stop using the Cybercrimes Act to intimidate or harass journalists. Their duty is to safeguard, not silence, the press.”
The statement, signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, and Ochiaka Ugwu, Secretary of the Advocacy Committee, praised journalists who remain committed to their duties despite threats and poor working conditions.
The group also emphasized the need for media employers to pay fair wages, warning that unpaid and underpaid journalists weaken the pillars of press freedom.
Celebrated every May 3, World Press Freedom Day honors journalists who have died in the line of duty and highlights the global importance of free and independent media.
“IPI Nigeria remains fully committed to defending media freedom and standing with journalists wherever they are under threat,” the statement concluded.
