From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
As journalists in Nigeria join their counterparts worldwide to mark World Press Freedom Day, Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Seidu Haruna has demanded for adequate funding of Government Owned Media Houses in the state.
The Council Chairman also called on government to accord more attention to the welfare of Practicing Journalists in the state.
Alhaji Haruna noted that such attention would significantly improve productivity, stressing that a free press cannot thrive without proper funding and improvement in welfare of Journalists.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Council Secretary , Comrade Atuluku Samuel which was made available to journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Alhaji Haruna noted that in the contemporary world, there exist a number of challenges confronting media organisations, hence media owners, governments and other critical stakeholders, particularly government-owned media outlets must accord their media Houses with the provision of modern technological tools to meet the growing demands of the industry.
He appealed to the Kogi State Government to upgrade facilities in its media establishments, including Radio Kogi, Graphic Newspapers, more funding of the State Ministry of Information and the establishment of a State owned Television.
Alhaji Haruna emphasised that press freedom involves giving journalists free access to information and enabling them to perform their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or threats to their safety, commending Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for being free with Journalists, but called for more synergy.
”Let me say that in Kogi State, Press Freedom under Governor Ododo has been impressive, the story is sweet, and there has been cordial relationship between the government and the Press, but we must point out also that the NUJ needs a more favourable environment to function and this is where we urge Kogi State government to ensure it has a signature project within the NUJ, the old structures are already in a bad state, government’s intervention is expedient and such marks will remain indelible”, the Chairman remarked.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s celebration, Alhaji Haruna said it focuses on the protection of human rights and the safety of lives and property.
The Kogi NUJ Chairman assured that the Council would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities, particularly security agencies, to ensure the safety and protection of journalists across the State.
