Nuj supreme grace ike homework fg, cso, others on the protection of freedom of the press

Nuj supreme grace ike homework fg, cso, others on the protection of freedom of the press

Abuja (Core reporter) In the role of the 2025 press week of the Union of Nigerian journalists (Nuj) of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) gradually reaches Crescendo, its President Grace Ike has urged the government at all levels, civil society organizations, the public and other parts of the stakeholders to support and protect the freedom of the press in Nigeria, in particular in the FCT.

Mrs. Grace Ike made the call on Monday 21 July 2025 during a “Walk for Press Freedom” in Solidarity for the rights of the media, freedom of the press and democracy – organized by the Council as part of the activities for the week of the Nuj FCT 2025 printing week, with the theme: “Look for liberation from the ancient problems of life”.

According to her, “it is only through a solid and independent average that democracy could really thrive”.

He described the walk not only as a symbolic gesture, but a powerful affirmation that the media in Nigeria remained the vigilant guardian of truth and the intransigent defender of democracy.

“While we gather during this period for this activity of the press week, we reiterate that a free press is the cornerstone of any flourishing democracy.

“Without the freedom of the press, the company is chained, the voices are silenced and the search for freedom is in vain.

“The truth becomes a distant dream. Our profession holds the flame that illuminates the path for good governance, responsibility and protection of fundamental rights,” he said.

Ike said that between the economic challenges and the growing threats to the freedom of the press, the members of the Union were engaged and united against censorship, intimidation and attacks on journalists.

“We will continue to defend a media space that respects the rights of journalists, cultivates democracy and enhances every voice,” he promised.

IKE also requested an improvement in working conditions for members, stating that “journalists are not beggars”.

“We must ensure that those who risk life and support the truth are treated fairly and professionally.

“I continue to say that journalists are workers at the forefront in the search for truth, justice and national development and I need to be treated with maximum equality and interest,” he said.

Ike, however, urged journalists to support ethical journalism, including the balanced reportage, while he considers the leaders responsible and giving voice to the voiceless and vulnerable in society.

“We must resist the disinformation and hug the media in evolving in a responsible way.

“The theme of this year’s reflection on freedom of the press also reminds us that freedom of expression is a pilot for all other human rights, and has a lot of responsibility,” he added.

Speaking also, Mrs. Evelyn Onyilo, president of the organizational committee of the press week, urged the government to demonstrate her commitment to the freedom of press guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.

Onyilo stressed that “anything short of this is unacceptable and is against the principles of the ideals of democracy”.

He underlined the need to end the usual suspicion against journalists, saying that “those in power should not see journalists as enemies”.

He denounced the situation in which people use the media to acquire power, but once they arrive there, not only do they see unprecedented journalists, but they also try to humiliate them.

“The well -being of journalists must be treated. Most of them work in very horrible conditions and people treat them as if they were nothing,” added Onyilo.

The vice -president of the Council, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, said that the walk was to amplify the importance of freedom of the press in Nigeria.

“We want to say that freedom of the press is our right; it is not a privilege. We mean that freedom of the press is the mother of all other freedoms.

“Therefore, we hope that today’s event will go to the main interested parties that we should meet, unite and fight for the freedom of the press,” said Yahaya.

The basic journalists report that the walk, who participated in the journalists of FCT and its surroundings, started from the Rotonda of Berger and ended at the Council Secretariat in Utako.