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)
Headlines
Gombe gov. congratulates new NUJ National President
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has congratulated Alhassan Yahya on his election as National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Yahaya, in a congratulatory message issued to newsmen on Thursday in Gombe, expressed joy over Yahya’s ‘resounding victory’ at the just-concluded 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference in Owerri, Imo.
The governor, in the statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described Alhassan’s victory as a remarkable achievement and source of immense pride for the state and the entire journalism community.
He praised Alhassan’s journey and impressive rise in the NUJ leadership.
“From your humble beginning at the chapel level, to the state, zonal and now the national level, you have showed consistency, demonstrated unmatched courage, integrity and passion for journalism and the welfare of journalists.
“Your election as the national president of NUJ is a reflection of the trust journalists across Nigeria have in your capacity to lead.
“Your commitment, integrity and vision have made you a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the field of journalism and I commend you for these sterling attributes,” he said.
Yahaya, while expressing confidence in Alhassan’s ability to unite and lead the union toward progress and professionalism, assured him of the support, solidarity and goodwill of the government and people of the state.
“We are confident that under your leadership, NUJ will witness a new era of progress, unity and professionalism that will further elevate the role of journalism in promoting national development,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the vital role of a united and committed press in advancing democratic ideals and national development.
He also praised journalists for the peaceful conduct of the election, while wishing the new NUJ leadership a successful and impactful tenure.
Headlines
Gombe gov. congratulates new NUJ National President
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has congratulated Alhassan Yahya on his election as National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Yahaya, in a congratulatory message issued to newsmen on Thursday in Gombe, expressed joy over Yahya’s ‘resounding victory’ at the just-concluded 8th Triennial Delegates’ Conference in Owerri, Imo.
The governor, in the statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described Alhassan’s victory as a remarkable achievement and source of immense pride for the state and the entire journalism community.
He praised Alhassan’s journey and impressive rise in the NUJ leadership.
“From your humble beginning at the chapel level, to the state, zonal and now the national level, you have showed consistency, demonstrated unmatched courage, integrity and passion for journalism and the welfare of journalists.
“Your election as the national president of NUJ is a reflection of the trust journalists across Nigeria have in your capacity to lead.
“Your commitment, integrity and vision have made you a shining example of what it means to be a leader in the field of journalism and I commend you for these sterling attributes,” he said.
Yahaya, while expressing confidence in Alhassan’s ability to unite and lead the union toward progress and professionalism, assured him of the support, solidarity and goodwill of the government and people of the state.
“We are confident that under your leadership, NUJ will witness a new era of progress, unity and professionalism that will further elevate the role of journalism in promoting national development,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the vital role of a united and committed press in advancing democratic ideals and national development.
He also praised journalists for the peaceful conduct of the election, while wishing the new NUJ leadership a successful and impactful tenure.
Crime
Court remands man for allegedly causing death of his unborn child
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday ordered the remand of a 52-year-old man, Taiwo Olaniyan, in Agodi correctional facility for allegedly causing the death of his unborn child.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction, ordered his remand in Agodi correctional facility, Ibadan.
Ogunkanmi held that the defendant would remain in custody pending receipt of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till Dec. 12 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, had arraigned the defendant, who resides at Apata area of Ibadan, on a three-count charge bordering on assault and causing death of an unborn child.
Akinloye told the court that the defendant had, on May 2018, assaulted his wife, Rukayat Babajide, by inflicting injury on her.
He said that the defendant caused the death of the foetus due to his assault on his wife during pregnancy.
The prosecutor said that the couple had been married for 14 years, with two children.
According to him, the offences contravene Section 316 and punishable under Sections 319, 328 and 355 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
NAN reports that if found guilty of the charges, the defendant maybe sentenced to three years imprisonment under section 355, while section 328 stipulates life imprisonment and section 319 death sentence for any convicted offender.
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