A South-west chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Sunday, urged the federal government to always allow freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
He stated this in a statement to commemorate this year’s edition of World Press Freedom Day with the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
Ambassador Ajadi said this became necessary to enable journalists perform their primary role of speaking for the voiceless without any hindrance.
“To the governments, both states and the federal, my advice is that they should allow freedom of expression, freedom of press and good environment for journalists to disseminate information to the society.
“We use this occasion to remind the governments that democracy and freedom of press are Siamese twins and for the twins to survive, we must keep them together and nurture them.
“I am calling on governments at all levels to always allow freedom of expression and freedom of the press, for journalists to perform their primary role of speaking for the voiceless without any hindrance.”
Ambassador Ajadi hailed Nigerian journalists for their doggedness, courage and perseverance in performing the watchdog role in the society despite many hindrances and inconveniences.
He said: “I celebrate and feel proud to associate with Nigerian journalists as the country observes this year’s edition of the World Press Freedom Day.
“Your doggedness, courage, selfless services and determination in the face of risk to your lives and that of your family brought us this democracy. As we observe the World Press Freedom Day, I want to encourage you to continue to perform your expected roles. You have remained the pillars upon which majority of Nigerians, especially the downtrodden rest on to survive.” Ambassador Ajadi also tasked the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Guild of Editors and other media stakeholders to fashion out an insurance scheme for Nigerian journalists.