The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has joined the international community to celebrate the all-important World News Day on September 28, a global initiative to highlight the vital role of fact-based journalism in our society. In a Press Statement, the NGE reaffirmed it’s commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom.
“We salute journalists in Nigeria and worldwide who work tirelessly to bring us the truth as we recommit to our mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely”, the editors maintained in the statement signed by the President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.
They noted that the World News Day was another opportunity to look at the challenges of journalism as a profession in Nigeria, especially the growing attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.
The Guild restated it’s stand to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standard in the profession, and resist any move, in whatever means, to harass and intimidate journalists as well as impede journalism.
It enjoined journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda and also uphold the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts.
“We use this opportunity to urge the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, including Cybercrime ( Prohibition and Prevention, etc) Act, to harass and intimidate journalists”, the Editors stated.
They urged the government to always respect the Freedom of Information Act by freely providing journalists any requested information and, therefore, aligning itself with the United Nations Universal Day for Access to Information.
They advised Nigerians to choose the truth, facts, and journalism, bearing in mind that fact-based journalism is the foundation of a healthy democracy. Fact-based journalism provides citizens with accurate and reliable information, enabling them to make informed decisions.
While urging Nigerians to stand with journalists who face challenges in their pursuit of truth, they warned that any attempt in gagging the media would put in jeopardy democracy and freedom of expression.
We wish Nigerians and journalists Happy World News Day!
