The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) held its annual Press Freedom and Good Governance Award ceremony on Saturday night in Abuja, serving as a platform for celebration and renewed dedication to press freedom in Nigeria.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, delivered a keynote address, emphasising the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and the rights of journalists across the country.
He expressed gratitude for receiving the NUJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising its importance for both him and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Idris stressed the alignment between the theme of World Press Freedom Day and the government’s core priorities, which include rebuilding public trust, revitalising national values, and fostering a conducive environment for the media.
The minister highlighted the vital role journalism plays in addressing the current environmental crisis.
He urged the media not only to report on environmental issues but also to mobilise the public for collective action towards environmental protection.
Idris argued that a free press empowers journalists to investigate environmental problems, expose wrongdoing, and hold polluters accountable.
Investigative journalism could illuminate unsustainable practices, raise public awareness about environmental threats, and stimulate public discourse on solutions.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to upholding press freedom, promoting diverse viewpoints, and ensuring journalists’ safety.
He concluded by calling for renewed efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, press freedom is preserved, and the environment is safeguarded for future generations.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards across various categories, recognising individuals and organisations for their significant contributions to press freedom and good governance in Nigeria.
Some of the awarded categories and recipients included:
- Torchbearers of Press Freedom – Honouring journalists who have demonstrated exceptional efforts to promote press freedom, often at personal risk.
- Defender of Press Freedom – Recognising individuals or organisations that have actively championed the rights of journalists and defended press freedom in Nigeria.
- Best Investigative Reporter of the Year – Acknowledging journalists who produce outstanding investigative work exposing corruption, misconduct, or injustices.
- Lifetime Achievement Awards – Celebrating individuals who have made enduring contributions to Nigerian journalism.
- Good Governance Awards (presented in various subcategories, including Advocacy of the Masses and Human Rights, Education, Transparency, and Economic Development) – Recognising government officials, initiatives, or programmes that exemplify commitment to good governance principles.
The NUJ ceremony brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the National Assembly, the media, and other stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing significance of press freedom and good governance in Nigeria.
