National Press Day ( NPD ), is celebrated across the country on every 16th day of November. The National Press Day is symbolic of a free and responsible press in the country.
Just as Nigeria commemorates the day, NPD celebration takes place in many countries of the world including the US, UK and India.
Similarly, the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration holds every May 3rd. This commemorative day however, is celebrated world wide.
NPD imperatively calls for reflection on among others, free press, the role of the press in enhancing a more viable democracy and essentially a participatory press in the rising world of social media.
The press, as matter of fact, needs to be free from all forms of censorship or control that may hinder its duty of and responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people.
It is instructive to note that the press at this umpteenth time needs to be developmental-oriented and setting agenda for national peace, cohesion and development.
In light of this, the United States Consul General, Mr. John Bray earlier this year, advocated for more freedom for the Nigerian press in carrying out its “watch dog” duty for the society and holding government accountable to the people.
Mr. Bray made the plea in Lagos while giving a keynote address at the 2017 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration which held at the Lagos television auditorium, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The theme of this year’s WPFD was “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies.”
He noted that the press deserves more freedom because an unfettered press is essential for democracy to thrive.
The consul general however, said the United States understands that with more freedom comes more responsibility.
He added that advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial.
He urged journalists to check and double check for facts before putting out their stories saying adequate increases their personal credibility and the reliability of their platform.
“Be thorough in your research and strive to look for every side of a story before you hit send,” he said.
He said the role of the press as the government’s watchdog was key to the system of checks and balances that is fundamental to the smooth running of every democracy.
Bray stated that according to Reporters Without Borders, more than a third of the world’s people live in countries where there is no press freedom.
“Most of them are quasi democracies, with systemic deficiencies in the electoral process, or countries where there is no system of democracy at all.
Working under such conditions, journalists risk everything to hold regimes accountable.
“Before my arrival in Nigeria four years ago I had read about the courage and sheer doggedness of the Nigerian press in the dark days of military dictatorship. In my time here, I have seen that you are still the voice of the forgotten.
“You have not lost your thirst for the truth or your willingness to go wherever a story leads you, thereby contributing to transparency, accountability, and good governance in your country,” Bray added.
Governments at all levels need to unconditionally and strongly supports freedom of the press because “an unfettered” press is essential for democracy to thrive.
Fortunately or unfortunately, Nigeria’s Freedom Information Act was passed in May 27, 2011 and has yet to be amended since then even in the face of lots of outcries for its amendment.
This backdrop had been described as detrimental to the desirable free press in Nigeria.
On media law and ethics in the digital age, Mr. Oluyomi Lords, Nigeria Institute of Journalism ( NIJ ), argued that the failure of the Nigeria media industry stemmed from the failure of the Nigeria constitution.
Calling for the amendment of the sections establishing the media and the role of the Press – Sections 39 and 22, Lords said the sections must be amended because they are limiting the performance of the Press.
He however, expressed optimism that the amendment will make the Nigerian stronger and help resolve among others issues of litigation, defamation, remuneration and corruption.
A free press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy and that is why government must be fully committed to upholding freedom of press and expression in all forms.
The media space must be used more and more to showcase the skills, strengths and creativity of our people going by this age where we are witnessing the rise of social media and news being consumed through mobile phones.
We strongly believe that these advancements will further the reach of the media and make the media space even more democratic and participatory.
The hard work of our media, especially the reporters and photojournalist, who tirelessly work on the ground and bring forth various news that shapes national as well as global discourse must be appreciated.
The role of the media in giving voice to the voiceless is commendable and must be acknowledged. However, the press should increase the public participation and ensure that press freedom will be protected by his government
The press should be helped to function as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only the press maintains the high standards expected from the industry, but also guide against overbearing influence or threats of any extraneous factors.
The functions of journalists essentially include maintaining the high standards of press which is expected from them. The press must not be brought under pressure of any force. The basic concept of self-regulation of the Press Council has been articulated by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Nigeria Press Council as a unique entity should exercise an authority over the instruments of the state by safeguarding the independence of the press.
The council should facilitate more seminars, discourse and conferences on the occasion of National Press Day. More public discourses must be geared towards attacks on the freedom of the Press and Right to Information
The role of media in crises situations (Sub-Topics)– Constitutional Crises, Political Crises, Economic Crises, Social Crises, Security Crises and Threats to the Freedom of the Press on Internal and External should be widely covered.
Media professionals should be educated on the role of Media in nurturing awareness of fundamental duties among citizens and the role of media in preserving rich composite heritage and tradition of the country and in promoting democracy.
We need to enlighten people on the media’s role in arousing popular conscience to promote peace, harmony and brotherhood transcending barriers of ethnicity, religion and sectional interests.
Role of Media in preparing people to cope with disasters is another topic that can not be overemphasised.
Also, projection of women by media in present day context and occupational hazards faced by media persons in conflict situations on the NPD event should be discussed.
The occasion will motivate every member to be more responsive, responsible and proactive.
Media persons should continue their excellent tradition of constructive journalism, displaying highest standards of professionalism in their duties.
The media play a crucial role in shaping the society and has also become a bridge between the government and the citizens. The consistent coverage by all forms of media on diverse issues of the society creates a immeasurable impact and thus making it one of most important of professions at present.
The press is one of the foundation stone of democracy and its freedom is an essential pre-requisite in a world of challenging phase of media reporting today.
The media should continue to play their vital role in creating a new Nigeria which is strong and prosperous; free of secession, crimes and insurgency.
As we felicitate with the Nigerian press on the successful celebration of this day, it is our hoping that our media continue to represent the voice of the people particularly the oppressed in the country.
