Headlines
NHRC says journalists operate under difficult conditions where freedom is relegated
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, on Monday said that journalists operate under difficult conditions where freedom is relegated to the background.
Ojukwu said this in his speech at the opening of a two-day training organised by the NHRC in Abuja for the commission’s staff members and journalists.
The theme of the training is ‘Defending the Rights of Journalists and Media Practitioners through National Safety Mechanism.’
According to Ojukwu, the training is designed to give more insight into the situation and challenges of journalism practice in Nigeria.
He added that it was another opportunity for media practitioners and experts in the field to share experiences.
In his words, “It is not gainsaid that safety of journalists has been a growing concern in the country and elsewhere in the world, given that some journalists operate under difficult conditions where freedom of expression and the press is relegated to the background.
“In such climes, the issue of censorship, harassment, unlawful arrest and detention and assassination are not uncommon.”
Ojukwu said that in spite of constitutional guarantees and legislations, journalists’ rights were often violated and trampled upon.
He added that the culprits could be state or non-state actors or others who are not comfortable with certain investigated issues.
“In view of the foregoing, capacity building training is very crucial to help journalists survive in any situation and pragmatically discharge their duties effectively.
“The UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity says, in a climate where journalists are safe, citizens find it easier to access quality information and many objectives become possible as a result.
“There are democratic governance and poverty reduction, conservation of the environment, gender equality and the empowerment of women, justice and culture of human rights, to name a few,” he said.
Ojukwu said that the commission had always enjoyed a robust partnership with media houses, which has helped in keeping the public abreast with the commission’s activities.
According to him, the training is designed to reflect on conflict reporting and hazards of journalism, the new media and challenges of freedom of expression.
“Incidentally, the above concerns highlighted in the training outline about journalism practice relate to this year’s theme of “World Press Freedom Day celebration, Journalism Under Digital Siege.’
“The theme is apt as it seeks to bring to the fore’ the impact of the digital era on the freedom of the press, the safety of journalists, and access to information and privacy.
“You are expected to put into practice whatever skills and knowledge you will garner from this training, bearing in mind the saying that practice makes perfect,” he said.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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