Chigbo”Stakeholders at the just concluded 2023 World Day for the Safety of Journalists in Lagos has called on media organizations in Nigeria to prioritize their safety as they carry out their duty.
One of them, Mrs Maureen Chigbo, the publisher “Of Real News,” a weekly investigative online news magazine, who delivered the keynote address on “Mitigating Online Violence Against Journalists”, expressed dismay at the way journalists are treated even by law enforcement agencies. ” Journalists who are often referred to as the Fourth Estate, play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability in the society, stressing that, there is the need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and freedom of Journalists to cover government activities without fear of harassment or intimidation “.
Chigbo Highlighting the numerous journalists who lack formal training and journalistic standards, Mrs Chigbo noted and I quote, ” the importance of educating amateur content creators is paramount because, it will ensure their safety, on both online and in traditional media outlets, adding that, adherence to rules governing reporting of state secrets and national interests be uphold to avoid mistakes that will paint the Nigerian state in bad light “. ” State actors, should refrain from inflicting psychological harm on journalists and members of the society, including non-governmental organizations should collaborate in protecting journalists and provide conducive working environment for the media to thrive adding that, it is only when you are alive that you can report”.
ChigboThe publisher, Safety and Security Watch and the convener of the seminar, Dr. Chiyenre Amaechi, expressed dismay that over 600 journalists lost their lives globally which underscored the urgent need for constant safety awareness tips. The seminar included Dr Suraj Olunifesi Adekunle moderated a panel of discussion which centred on mitigating online violence against journalists. In attendance were, Barrister Oby Egbe, Ambassador Dr. Wilson Arikpo, Innocent Orok, Mark Ogbamosa, Assistant Superintendent of Corps 1, Abolurin Olumode of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Others were, Superintendent Benjamin Hundeyin represented by ASP Adeoye Olufemi of the Nigerian Police Force.
The essence of the programme was to equip journalists with the knowledge to create a secure working environment, considering the hazards they face in their line of duty.