The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on all tiers of government, civil society organisations, and relevant stakeholders to safeguard press freedom and protect the rights of journalists in Nigeria.
The call was made during a “Walk for Press Freedom” held in Abuja on Monday as part of activities marking the 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week, themed “Journalism in a changing World: Media, Press Freedom, Democracy and Society.”
Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, said the walk symbolised solidarity with press freedom, democracy, and media rights. She emphasized that a free, independent media is crucial for the sustenance of democracy, good governance, and accountability.
“As we gather through this period for this Press Week activity, we reaffirm that a free press is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy. Without press freedom, society is shackled, voices are silenced, and the pursuit of freedom is in vain,” Ike stated.
She decried the increasing threats, censorship, and intimidation faced by journalists and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending media freedom and protecting journalists from oppression.
Ike also called for improved working conditions and fair treatment for media practitioners, stating that journalists are frontline workers who deserve professional recognition, not charity.
“We must ensure that those who risk their lives to uphold the truth are treated fairly. Journalists are not beggars,” she said, urging colleagues to remain committed to ethical journalism and resist misinformation.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Press Week Organising Committee, Mrs. Evelyn Onyilo, urged the government to uphold the constitutional guarantee of press freedom, warning that any deviation undermines democracy.
“Those in power must stop seeing journalists as enemies. Many ride on the media to attain power, but once they do, they disregard and even humiliate journalists,” she lamented.
The Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, stressed that press freedom is a fundamental right and urged stakeholders to unite in defending it.
“Press freedom is the mother of all other freedoms. This walk is a message to all that we must fight to protect it,” Yahaya said.
The peaceful walk, which drew participation from journalists across the FCT and surrounding areas, started from Berger Roundabout and ended at the NUJ Secretariat in Utako.
