As humanity marks World Press Freedom Day, May 3, President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with the media, especially in Nigeria.
This is coming as Nigeria emerges the only African country in full compliance with protection of journalists.
This year’s celebration marks 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom, and the President says the landmark is a tribute to media professionals, who risk their lives to keep society informed and educated.
Commenting on this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, President Buhari, in a release issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, expressed delight that the rights of Nigerian journalists have been protected and upheld in the past eight years.
His words: “We have kept the faith. We have ensured that Nigerian journalists have had unfettered freedom to practice their art, and on this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we recommit to that resolution, even as we wind down in office”.
He charged media professionals to continue to be patriotic, work for the cohesion of the country, and exercise their freedom with a high deal of responsibility.