The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged government at all levels, civil society organisations, the public, and other stakeholders to support and protect press freedom in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ms. Grace Ike, Chairperson, NUJ FCT Council, made the call at a “Walk for Press Freedom” in solidarity for media rights, press freedom, and democracy.
The event, organised by the council on Monday in Abuja, is one of the activities for the NUJ FCT 2025 Press Week, with the theme: “Seeking deliverance from the ancient troubles of life.”
Ike stated that, “it is only through a robust, independent media that democracy could truly flourish.”
She described the walk as not just a symbolic gesture, but a powerful statement that the media in Nigeria remained the vigilant guardian of truth and the uncompromising defender of democracy.
“As we gather through this period for this press week activity, we reaffirm that a free press is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy.
“Without press freedom, society is shackled, voices are silenced, and the pursuit of freedom is in vain.
“The truth becomes a distant dream. Our profession holds the flame that lights the path for good governance, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights,” she said.
Ike affirmed that amidst economic challenges and growing threats to press freedom, members of the union were committed and united against censorship, intimidation, and attacks on journalists.
“We will continue to champion a media space that respects rights of journalists, nurture democracy and empower every voice,” she pledged.
Ike also demanded improved working conditions for members, asserting that “journalists are not beggars.”
“We must ensure that those who risk their lives and uphold truth are treated fairly and professionally.
“I keep saying journalists are frontline workers in the quest for truth, justice and national development and have the need to be treated with utmost parity and interest,” she said.
Ike, however, urged journalists to uphold ethical journalism, including balanced reportage, while holding leaders accountable and giving voice to the voiceless and the vulnerable in society.
“We must resist misinformation and embrace the evolving media landscape responsibly.
“The theme of this year’s reflection on press freedom also reminds us that freedom of expression is a driver for all other human rights, and it comes with a whole lot of responsibility,” she added.
Speaking also, Mrs Evelyn Onyilo, Chairman, Press Week Organising Committee, urged government to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of the press as guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.
Onyilo stressed that “anything short of that is unacceptable and is against the principles of ideals of democracy.”
She emphasised the need to end the usual suspicion against journalists, saying “those in power should not see journalists as enemies.”
She decried the situation where people use the media to acquire power, but once they get there, they not only see journalists as unimportant, but also try to humiliate them.
“Journalists’ welfare must be taken care of. Most of them work in very horrible conditions and people treat them as if they are nothing,” Onyilo added.
The Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, said the walk was to amplify the importance of press freedom in Nigeria.
“We want to say that press freedom is our right; it’s not a privilege. We want to say that press freedom is the mother of all other freedoms.
“Therefore, we hope that today’s event will go to the major stakeholders that we should all come together, unite, and fight for press freedom,” Yahaya said.
The walk, which had journalists in FCT and its environs participating, kicked off from Berger roundabout and ended at the council’s secretariat in Utako.
