Lawan Hails Nigerian Journalists on World Press Freedom Day

 

By Nurat Uthman

The Nigerian Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, hailed Nigerian journalists on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day.

Lawan in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Ola Awoniyi, said journalists had made immense contributions to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria.

“Nigerian journalists deserve our appreciation for their contributions to democracy and governance in general in Nigeria as the fourth estate of the realm.

“Promoting press freedom is not only upholding the rights of an important segment of the society, it is also promoting the human right to freedom of speech and opinion.

“It is in the light of this that the ninth National Assembly has ensured in the past four years that no legislation under its purview tampers with these rights,” Lawan says.

He wished journalists a happy day.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day.

The day is observed annually to recognise the great efforts and contributions of journalists in uncovering the deepest and unknown truths of society.

The theme of World Press Day 2023 is ‘Shaping a future of rights: freedom of expression as the engine of other human rights.’

According to the UNESCO, “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to proclaim International Press Freedom Day.”