World Press Day: Maku advises journalists on ethics of profession

He made the call while declaring opening the World Press Freedom Day in Abuja. Maku explained that there should be standard in weighing news items with specific consideration for the unity and stability of the country. He said it was important for the media to always authenticate news sources, to guide against being used by […]

He made the call while declaring opening the World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.

Maku explained that there should be standard in weighing news items with specific consideration for the unity and stability of the country.

He said it was important for the media to always authenticate news sources, to guide against being used by unpatriotic elements to cause confusion in the country.

Represented by Mr Charles Ojugbana, a Director in the ministry, Maku restated the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to press freedom.

The NUJ President, Malam Muhammed Garba, in his welcome address, said the media had crucial roles to play in helping to transform the society.

The theme of the celebration was “New Voices: Media freedom helping to transform societies’’.

The president said that the theme was apt for the continuation of the agitation towards access to information as enshrined in the FOI Act.

“It is the duty of the media to hold forth the citizens, especially when government and its service providers are not responsive or performing poorly to demand.’’

He called on the media to help raise the standards in public life by ensuring that development funds are used for the purpose for which they are intended.

Garba condemned the attack on media houses and the killing of Journalists by the Boko Haram sect and urged its members to withdraw their decision to attack more media houses.

“As we mark the World Press Freedom Day today, we appeal to the sect to repeal this decision which is not in the interest of the nation.’’

The UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, in his speech at the occasion, said freedom of expression was one of the most precious rights in the world.

“ It underpins every other freedom to hold opinions to seek, receive and impact information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“This freedom is essential for healthy and vibrant societies.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the NUJ in collaboration with UNESCO.

The World Press Freedom Day has been set aside to celebrate and evaluate the fundamental principles of press freedom around the world.

It is also aimed at defending the media from attacks on its independence and to pay tribute to journalists who died in the practice of the profession.