The Federal Government on Wednesday acknowledged the importance of press freedom to Nigeria’s democracy and good governance.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejo noted this at the end of a two-day workshop on the impact of safe journalism and gender equality on democratic governance in Nigeria.
The workshop was organised by the Nigerian National Commission for the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation under the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja.
Adejo, who was represented by the Director, Educational Planning Research Development of the Ministry, Adeleye Adeoye, observed that the safety of journalists is threatened all over the world, adding that the training will enhance the capacity of journalists on how to stay safe while on duty; especially in a conflict-ridden environment.
He said: “The safety of journalists is seriously threatened all over the world. According to UNESCO’s data, more than 700 journalists and media workers have been killed in the last 10 years.
“Impunity for crimes against the media fuels and perpetuates the cycle of violence, which further deprives the society of information and affects press freedom. It directly impacts the United Nations’ human rights-based efforts to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.
“This security concern is particularly affecting women journalists who face the double burden of being attacked, both for being journalists and being women”, Adejo stated.
He added that democracy as a whole is at risk if fewer women’s voices are heard due to compromised safety.
According to the Permanent Secretary: “At this particular time in the history of the nation, freedom of press operations is essential to democratic constructiveness and good governance as all aspects of good governance are facilitated by the existence of a strong, pluralistic and independent media within the society.
“At this juncture, it is pertinent to emphasise that safety is something all journalists worry about, but women face additional threats due to gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination in the newsroom and in the field, and disproportionate online attacks”.
Head, Communication and Information from UNESCO Regional Office Abuja, Nuhu Yachat informed that “gender inequality is not only a fundamental human right but a crucial prerequisite for sustainable development.
“By promoting gender inequality in media organisations, we can ensure that voices of women are heard and the media should serve as a catalyst for social change”, the UNESCO boss remarked.
