The Nigeria Union of Journalists has set aside the day to celebrate the men and women of the noble profession as well as give various recognitions to deserving cititizen across different spectrums of governance and socio-economic engagements based on their entrepreneural and economic footprints in the country.
It has often been claimed that the functioning of the press in any socio-political milieau serves as a barometer for determining the state of democracy in such an environment. To put it in its right context, if the press is not free, then the society is in shackles.
Thus, apart from the celebratory nature of the Press Freedom Award, the event seeks to beam a searchlight on those things that act as a constraint to the free participation and functioning of the media in the country.
This is attested to by the invitation and recognition of state officials and policymakers whose responsibilities and functions intersect the world of the media and information.
The good governance award, a major activity of the event will serve as a veritable barometer for assisting good governance and promote accountability of elected appointed public office holders.
Furthermore, good governance awards will engender fair review and competitions among political office holders and business leaders and educate the citizens to hold their leaders accountable.
In the words of Alhassan Yahya, the National President of the Union –
“Press freedom, therefore, is a catalyst for good governance, and good governance makes dividends of democracy available to citizens in real terms.
Despite the challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists remains committed to upholding principles of ethical journalism and promotion of high standards of professionalism in Nigeria”.
It has often been said that citizenship participation can best be guaranteed when citizens are informed properly under a democratic system by the media who must provide accurate, unbiased and timely information to the public.
Some of the categories of the awards include, Defender of Press Freedom Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Good Governance Award, Peace building, and Rural Transformation award in the area of road infrastructure and construction, Touchbearers Award in celebration of journalists who face threats and harassments in the course of their work, etc.
The event, which will hold at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja by 5:30 pm at the majestic banquet hall on Saturday the 3rd of May 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
