An investigative journalist, whose work has local and international impact adjudged as the best in the entry for the 2024 NUJ Press Freedom Award would go home with a cash prize of N1 million, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Chris Isiguzo has said.
Isiguzo, who addressed a world press conference, said the NUJ will introduce the investigative award in the 2024 edition to promote the constitutional mandate given to the journalist as an agenda setter and advocate of good governance.
The President of the Union said, “Press freedom is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions. Press freedom is a catalyst in the mobilisation of the citizenry to hold their leaders accountable as well as promote speaking truth to power.”
He noted that “the press is the fourth arm of government and recognised this in the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended.
Therefore, “it is the duty of the press to hold the government and citizens accountable at different levels.”
He said their decision this year was to combine the Good Governance Awards with the Press Freedom Awards as part of this mandate to showcase performances by various administrators.
He said the Press Freedom Awards, which celebrate the important principles of press freedom, defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty,
Isiguzo said since press freedom is an indispensable pillar in the architecture of democracy anywhere in the world, no democracy can thrive without citizen’s adequate access to transparent and reliable information.
According to him, “Many journalists in Nigeria have faced harassment, threats, physical injury, imprisonment, and even death in the course of discharging their legitimate duties.
It is the courage and sacrifice of these journalists that we are celebrating by organising the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards.
Isiguzo said, “Torch Bearers of Press Freedom Awards will be given to journalists who have faced harassment, physical injury, imprisonment, or death in their line of duty.
“Best Investigative Reporter of the Year Award will be given to the reporter who has done the best investigative reporting in the year under review.
“The story must have a significant positive national and international impact, have led to system improvements, and have enhanced the citizens’ quality of life.
“Press Freedom Platform Awards will be given to media houses that have supported press freedom
“Corporate Friend of the Media Awards will be given to corporate organisations that have supported press freedom.
“Defender of Press Freedom Awards will be given to experienced journalists and other Nigerians who have actively defended press freedom
“Lifetime Achievement Awards will be given to those who have shown resilience in supporting press freedom and/or have provided media platforms for journalists to practice their craft.
“Distinguished Friend of the Press Awards will be given to public and political office holders who have made outstanding contributions to the defence of press freedom or have actively supported press freedom.”
The president invited nominations to be sent by email to pressfreedomandgoodgovernanceawards.nuj.ng.
He said the Good Governance Awards will be in 22 categories, adding that nominations of individuals and corporate bodies for the different categories of awards will open on February 15, 2024, and end on March 28, 2024.
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