World Press Freedom Day: Obaseki assures support for journalists, hails role in devt of society

The governor, who urged journalists to embrace the noble ethics of the profession, said his government will continue to guarantee a conducive environment for journalists to thrive, allowing them to do their job freely, independently and safely without fear of intimidation and harassment.

Obaseki said this in commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, marked every May 3, by the United Nations and other sister organs.

He noted, “This year’s World Press Freedom day presents yet another opportunity to salute our journalists for their role in the development of society, delivering truthful, unbiased and impartial reportage of events despite the threat and persecution they are faced with globally.”

Obaseki further stated, “The media as the fourth estate of the realm serves as a bridge builder between the government and the people, and must diligently embark on its duties upholding the ideals of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, balance, and other ethics that guide the profession. They must embrace responsible and development-focused journalism, ensuring unity, peace and development of the state and nation.

Pledging to protect the rights and privileges of journalists, Obaseki added, “On our part as a government, we will continue to guarantee a safe and conducive environment for journalists to freely and independently deliver on their duties without fear of being harassed and intimidated.

“Already, we have connected the secretariat of the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to the state-backed Private Public Partnership (PPP) power solution – Ossiomo Power Company’s Plant in Benin City, for the supply of 24-hour electricity. We will continue to support them to perform their roles in the development of the society, ensuring a prosperous Edo where all citizens are well empowered to realize their fullest potential.”

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Journalism under Digital Siege,” Obaseki said his administration is embarking on a holistic revamp of state-owned media houses to enable them to meet with the technical challenges of the digital era.