SPEECH BY THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION ALHAJI MOHAMMED IDRIS, fnipr, AT THE OCCASION OF THE JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN CELEBRATION OF THE 2024 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY, HELD AT NATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, RADIO HOUSE, ABUJA ON MAY, 3RD 2024 ON THE THEME: A PRESS FOR THE PLANET: JOURNALISM IN THE FACE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS
Protocols,
It is with great honor that I welcome you all on this occasion of the Joint Press Conference with Federal Ministry of Environment and UNESCO organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in commemoration of the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.
2.This year’s theme ‘’ A press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis” calls us to action as we are confronted by an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude, one that poses a threat not only to our planet but to the very future of humanity. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion are not abstract concepts; they are harsh realities that demand immediate and decisive action.
3.In the face of this crisis, journalists emerge as guardians of truth and champions of accountability. They illuminate environmental injustices, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation. Through their investigative reporting, they hold governments and corporations accountable for their actions and advocate for policies that promote sustainability and safeguard our planet.
4.This year's theme resonates deeply with our ministry's vision and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's priority areas, which prioritize restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media. It underscores the crucial role of journalism in addressing the environmental crisis.
5.I am pleased to state that the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizes the importance of responsible media coverage in enlightening, informing, and educating Nigerians and the world. Through credible and timely information, everyone can be well-informed, and the media can serve as a valuable tool for fostering transparency and accountability.
6.We also acknowledge the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work. As environmental defenders, journalists often confront threats, harassment, and violence for their courageous efforts to expose environmental crimes and protect our natural world. As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security. As a Ministry and Government, we provided the most unfettered access to Journalists and provided the enabling environment that has continue to encourage the Nigeria media grow in leaps and bounds.
7.It is our conviction, that Press freedom is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability. Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face. Disinformation and misinformation undermine public understanding of environmental issues and hinder our ability to take meaningful action. Therefore, we must staunchly defend press freedom and support the work of journalists who are dedicated to reporting the truth. However, this day also throws open the flip side of press freedom which is responsible Journalism. It a call for the press to uphold the tenets of journalism by being factual, truthful and responsible in their reporting. The Need to be nationalistic and patriotic cannot be over-emphasized. As journalists and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, we must see ourselves as strategic partners in the development of our Nation and nothing short of this will suffice.
8.Therefore, as we reflect on the significance of World Press Freedom Day, I would like to commend UNESCO for providing us with the platform to commemorate this important occasion and also thank the head of the Abuja Office and his team for the partnership. Let me also seize this opportunity to thank the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological management and its Agencies for this synergy and partnership on this very unique day. I would like to thank My Brother the Honourable Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako being part of this occasion. We look forward to more of such partnerships to advance our common course.
9.Finally,as Minister of Information and National Orientation, I wish to reassure you of our continued commitment to tirelessly to promote the tenets press freedom as well as supporting journalists in their mission to protect our planet. Let us redouble our efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, press freedom is upheld, and our planet is safeguarded for generations to come.
Thank you.
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