Business mogul and presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, Mr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has felicitated journalists on the celebration of World Press Freedom Day.
Olawepo-Hashim called for support for media professionals in Nigeria and across the world who, have, over the years, continued to weather the storm in the course of their daily reportage.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Ibrahim, on Monday, Olawepo-Hashim said the day was also to remember those brave journalists who lost their lives in the course of duty.
“Today is the 3rd of May.It is a special day for journalists and lovers of press freedom worldwide. A day set aside by the U N to act as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom .
“Importantly, it is a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
“As I join others to felicitate journalists on this great day, I sincerely call for support for media professionals in Nigeria and across the world who have, over the years, continued to weather the storm in the course of their daily reportage.
“Today, I also remember those brave journalists who lost their lives in the course of duty.
“I pay tributes to great journalists like Dele Giwa, Bagauda Kaltho and others who died in the exercise of their profession and call on governments to uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom and defend the media from attacks.
“I appreciate this year’s theme of the International Press Day, ‘Information as a Public Good’. Truly, it would serve as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, looking for ways to strengthen journalism and promote transparency.”
“The theme is of relevance to all countries of the world. I agree it recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting on our health, our human rights, democracies and sustainable development.
“I therefore align myself with the call on all for the renewal of commitment to the fundamental right to freedom of expression, for the defence of working journalists and for the society to continue having access to many sources of news and information,” he said.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
