The Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Uche Okafor, has called on the federal government to map out special remuneration for Journalists in recognition of their contributions to the peace, progress and corporate existence of the Nigerian Nation.
In his goodwill message to Journalists in the country, on this year 2021 World Press Freedom Day, Honourable Okafor who described the press as the mirror of the society maintained that practising Journalists deserve a good measure devoid of intimidation, harassment or death to enable them to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
He reminded journalists that press freedom is not absolute as it goes with enormous responsibilities, urging them to shun speculative Journalism in view of its destructive tendency.
He advocated constant training and retraining of Journalists by their establishments for enhanced productivity.
ALSO READ: Matawalle donates 400 bags of assorted grains to Gusau inmates
The Speaker assured that the State House of Assembly will continue to provide an enabling environment for the press in the state to operate and urged them to uphold objectivity at all times in their reportage.
Also, the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has called for urgent measures to strengthen the safety of Journalists and improve their working conditions in the state.
It also called for measures to check the unwholesome impact of social media on society.
The Council commended Journalists in the state for their professionalism and balanced reportage of the happenings in the state and urged them to always prioritise investigative Journalism since it holds the greatest social value in the Journalism profession.
The statement which was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Anambra State Mr Emmanuel Ifesinachi and Secretary Mr Emma Udeagha also commended Governor Willie Obiano for his achievements, particularly the construction of the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport at Umueri which had recorded test flight operations and the ongoing International Conference Centre and Sports Stadium in Awka and called for sustenance.
Tribune Online gathered that the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day “is information as a Public Good” which the council seeks to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a Public Good and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content in order to strengthen Journalism and advance transparency, empowerment and inclusiveness.