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Press Freedom is Fundamental to Democracy- UNESCO
Press Freedom is Fundamental to Democracy- UNESCO
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has said press freedom is fundamental to institutionalization of democracy.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the United Nations House, the Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Regional Office Abuja, Mr Philippe Delange, in his speech to commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day organised by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Information Centre (UNIC), commemoration of the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day organised by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Abuja, said that “without press freedom, democracy was a shadow of itself.”
The day which had the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all Other Human Rights,” also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Conference Programme of Action on Human Rights.
World Press Freedom Day was established by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
Delange said: “Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democratic society,” adding that: “Without a debate of ideas, without verified facts, without diversity of perspectives, democracy is a shadow of itself and World Press Freedom Day was established to remind us of this.”
He said: “For the international community, it is first and foremost a question of combating the impunity that still surround crimes of which journalists are victims, with nearly nine out of ten murders of journalists going unpunished.”
Delange also said the UN had the Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which UNESCO had been leading for ten years.
He explained that the action plan ensured that independent media can continue to exist, noting that: “With the digital revolution, the information landscape and its modes of production and distribution have been radically disrupted, jeopardizing the viability of independent professional media.”
He however decried that 30 years after the first World Press Freedom Day, a lot had happened and lots more needed to be done as well.
He said it was an opportunity to renew commitment within international organisations to defending journalists and ensuring press freedom.
On his part, the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigerian, Mr Matthias Schmale said having freedom of expression and seeking information fostered intellectual growth and contribute to social and political progress.
He said: “A free press is essential, if we want truth, justice, and accountability to flourish,” while regretting that press freedom remained under threat in many parts of the world, lamenting that speech was being repressed both online and offline.
He said truth is undermined by disinformation and hate speech, while media workers face mounting threats, including women journalists living in fear of violence in many parts of the world.
He said World Press Freedom Day reminds all that freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other rights.
He said: “We all have a responsibility to support and protect those who risk their lives speaking truth to power.
“UNESCO will continue to lead UN efforts to keep media professionals safe and help them seek justice.
“I call on government, CSOs and citizens to promote and protect press freedom.
“Together, we can shape a future of rights where journalists can tell the stories that need to be told.”
Executive Secretary,National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Anthony Ojukwu, said the commission was aware of several bills proposed at the National Assembly for the purpose of gagging the media.
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Mrs Agharese Arese, said NHRC would continue to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the right to freedom of expression and the press was exercised within the ambit of the law.
He said: “Whereas, the social and digital media has been criticised for encroaching on privacy rights and fuelled hate statements. We believe in the sufficiency of our laws for individuals affected to seek civil legal remedies.
“The NHRC is passionate about the protection of the rights of Nigerians which includes journalists.”
Deputy Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Baze University Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, said freedom was priceless while it could be denied in diverse ways.
He said freedom can be denied through regulations, intimidation, harassment, denial of rights which can be politically motivated or otherwise.
He said people could engage in peaceful protests, advocacies, dialogues to fight efforts targeted at gagging the media.
Adeniyi added that freedom of expression was an integral part of human rights and a viable democracy.
Mr John Attah, Programme Director, Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, called on stakeholders to protect journalists while they do their jobs.
Press Freedom is Fundamental to Democracy- UNESCO
News
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Wednesday visited Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area, scene of a recent bandit attack, where he admitted the incident and pledged decisive action to secure the release of those abducted.
The governor, who commiserated with the victims and their families, described the Jan. 18 attack on three churches in the community as painful and unacceptable, assuring residents that his administration would intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Sani said the state government would work closely with the military and other security stakeholders to ensure the safe return of all captives and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
He appealed to the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), a native of Kaduna State, to support the establishment of a military base in the area to enhance security and deter criminal elements.
The governor also announced plans to construct an access road to Kurmin Wali, establish a Primary Health Care centre, and provide other social amenities to improve living conditions and strengthen government presence in the community.

Addressing international and local journalists who accompanied him to the village, Sani said his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across Kaduna State.

Residents of Kurmin Wali thanked the governor for the visit and pledged their cooperation with the government to help secure the release of the abducted persons and sustain peace in the area.
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
News
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness the Emir of Tikau in Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II, has called on the new emir of Gamawa in Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, to carry everybody along in the emirate for the development of the nation.
The royal father made the appeal today at his place in Sabon Garin Nangere while receiving the new emir of Gamawa in Bauchi state, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu. He said the creation of emirates is a great development for the nation.
“As we know, there was a very strong relationship between the Gamawa and Tikau emirates, and these will continue existing, and we share a boundary with them, and there was something that was raised between us and them, and anything that affected them affected us directly.” The Royal Father said.
According to Mai Tikau, the most cases we have are the conflicts between the farmers and the herders from time to time. Sometimes they will enter our territory, and sometimes we will enter their own, adding that, for the issue of the border, we hope with your coming as the new emir of Gamawa, this problem will be solved.
Speaking earlier, the emir of Gamawa, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, said they were at Tikau Place to express their appreciation to the royal father, the emir of Tikau, for his support given to us since we emerged as the new emir of Gamawa.
He said, “Immediately His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Hon. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad Kaura, created this emirate. Mai Tikau is the first person who sent a delegation to Gamawa to congratulate us.”
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
News
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum
By: Yahaya Wakili
The former Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, has paid a surprise visit to Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School in Potiskum, where he was warmly received by the students and the school management.
During the visit, the former minister distributed educational materials and foodstuff to the pupils and commended the school’s leadership for its commitment to quality education.

Adamu Waziri moved from classroom to classroom, where he engaged directly with students in a cheerful and fatherly manner and charged them to take their studies seriously, noting the importance of reading as a key to personal and national development.
He commended the proprietor of the school, Dr. Hassan Gimba Ahmed, the publisher/editor-in-chief of NEPTUNE PRIME, for his dedication to education and community service as a whole, adding that what Dr. Hassan Gimba has done here is not just building a school but building a legacy.
Earlier, the proprietor of the school, Dr. Hassan Gimba Ahmed, ably represented by the school’s management, thanked Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri for his generosity and continued interest in youth development and described the visit as a major encouragement to the school and the community hosting it.
“This gesture underscores Adamu Maina Waziri’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders even beyond his years of public service.
The highlight of the visit concluded with a group photograph and heartfelt appreciation from students, many of whom said they were inspired by the former minister’s humility and kindness.
The former minister of police affairs was accompanied by Dr. Zainab Boni Haruna, Engr. Abubakar Adamu Waziri (alias Cargo), Hon. Umar Khali, ADC state party chairman, Hon. Lawan Mammadu Kori, and Dr. Mamu Muhammad, among others.
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum.
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