By Joy Omagha Idam
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) recently celebrated World Press Freedom Day 2025 in Abuja, highlighting the critical role of journalists in promoting democracy and good governance. The event, which honored outstanding leaders and organizations, served as a reminder of the importance of ethical journalism in nation-building.
The Senate President, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, emphasized that access to accurate information is the bedrock of democracy. Without it, citizens cannot hold their leaders accountable. He described the legislature as the nation’s “microphone,” where citizens’ concerns are transformed into laws and policies. The right to information, he stressed, is a fundamental right that keeps democracy breathing. He was represented by Senate Spokesperson Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu.
Dr. Akpabio praised journalists as guardians of memory and interpreters of meaning, charging them to remain beacons of truth while upholding professional ethics and guarding against quackery. He urged the media to foster open conversations that strengthen and build the nation, emphasizing that democracy is deepened not just by ballots but also by dialogue.
The NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to ethical journalism, protection of press freedom, and accountability in governance. He noted that World Press Freedom Day honors the principles of free speech and the resilience of journalists who face harassment, imprisonment, and even death for doing their jobs.
The event recognized outstanding leaders and organizations that have demonstrated value-adding leadership in various sectors. The award winners included:
- Chief Henry Akunebu, SAN, who received the Defender of Press Freedom Award for his unwavering commitment to protecting journalists’ rights.
- Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who was honored with the Good Governance Award for Legislative Transformation and Efficiency.
- Kaduna State Governor, H.E. Senator Uba Sani, who received the Good Governance Award for Peace Building and Development.
- Kebbi State Governor, H.E. Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, who was recognized for his contributions to education.
- Arc. Sunny S.T. Echono, (Pacesetter Leadership Award) Dr. Emem Omokaro, (Innovative Leadership), NNPC Ltd, (Energy Efficiency and Sustainability) Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, (Construction Company of The Year Award) and the National Bureau of Statistics, (Transparency) who all received Good Governance Awards in various categories.
- Idibia Gabriel, Matthew Ochei, Jide Oyekunle, Lucy Ezeliora, Ibrahim Isha, and Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah, who were honored with the Torch Bearer of Press Freedom Awards.
Comrade Abdullahi reiterated the demand for safer working conditions for journalists and praised the federal government’s commitment to upholding free speech. He emphasized that a society that silences its journalists forfeits its right to the truth and called on Nigerians to work together to ensure that the press remains free, vibrant, and unbroken.
The NUJ FCT Council, led by Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, celebrated the achievement of its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, who received the Torch Bearer of Press Freedom Award. Comrade Ike described Comrade Oyekunle as a brave, young, dynamic and hardworking Secretary, she was at the event with her full Executives, Yahaya Ndambabo, Vice Chairman, Sandra Udeike Treasurer, Sharon Emephia, former Assistant Secretary Correspondents Chapel. Comrade Ike commended the leadership of Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi for sustaining the NUJ tradition of hosting the Annual Press Freedom Award.
The celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2025 served as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria. As the nation moves forward, it is essential to uphold ethical journalism and protect press freedom to ensure that the press remains free, vibrant, and unbroken
