The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all tiers of government, civil society organisations, and the public to uphold and protect press freedom, especially within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The appeal was made by Ms. Grace Ike, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, during a “Walk for Press Freedom” held on Monday in Abuja as part of the 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week activities themed: “Seeking Deliverance from the Ancient Troubles of Life.”
Ms. Ike emphasized that a free, independent media remains the backbone of a functional democracy.
“This walk is more than symbolic — it is a bold statement that the Nigerian media stands as a vigilant guardian of truth and an uncompromising defender of democracy,” she declared.
She warned that without press freedom, democracy would be stifled, and the pursuit of justice and transparency would be futile.
“Our profession holds the flame that lights the path for good governance, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights,” Ike said.
Amidst growing economic hardship and threats to media practitioners, Ike reaffirmed the union’s collective stance against censorship, intimidation, and violence targeted at journalists.
“We will keep advocating for a media space that respects journalists’ rights, strengthens democracy, and empowers every voice,” she added.
Calling for better remuneration and working conditions, Ike insisted that journalists deserve to be treated with dignity and professionalism.
“Journalists are not beggars. They are frontline workers in the quest for truth and national development,” she said.
She further urged journalists to remain committed to ethical standards — ensuring balanced reporting, resisting misinformation, and responsibly adapting to the evolving media landscape.
“Freedom of expression fuels all other human rights, and with that freedom comes great responsibility,” she noted.
Also speaking, Mrs. Evelyn Onyilo, Chairperson of the Press Week Organising Committee, demanded that government live up to its constitutional obligation to safeguard press freedom.
“Any attempt to suppress the press is a direct threat to democracy,” Onyilo asserted.
She criticised the tendency of public officials to sideline the press after leveraging media support to gain power.
“Once in office, many leaders not only ignore journalists but also humiliate them. This must stop,” she said, adding that the welfare of journalists must be prioritised.
The Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, reiterated that press freedom is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
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“It is the foundation of all other freedoms. Today’s walk is a call for unity among stakeholders to collectively defend this right,” Yahaya stressed.
The peaceful march, which drew journalists from across the FCT, began at Berger Roundabout and concluded at the NUJ Council Secretariat in Utako, serving as a vibrant display of solidarity for media freedom, democracy, and journalist welfare.
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