By Kasim Isa Muhammad
The Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri has celebrated World Press Freedom Day yesterday May 3, 2023.
May 3rd, every year has been set aside by the United Nation to celebrate Press Freedom Day all around the world, in an effort to promote awareness on the values of press freedom and also to remind governments, of their responsibilities to safeguard the freedom of speech as guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The day is also an opportunity to honour journalists who have died in the line of duty, reflect on the situation of press freedom globally, protect the media from attacks on their independence, and celebrate the core values of press freedom.
Every year, World Press Freedom Day has a different theme, and celebrations are held all across the world to honour the occasion.
in her remarks, Dr Rahila Jibrin, a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, explained that press freedom is so paramount to the society, noting that when the press is free the people ought to be outstanding.
She, however, urged the students of the Department to be good ambassadors of the profession, particularly in their reportage.
Commenting on the day and its importance, Dr Abdulmutallib Ado Abubakar, a senior lecturer in the department, noted that the day is very important.
“It’s a day on which people are reminded that they have certain rights that allow them to voice out or air their opinions—for their problems to be solved.
“It’s also a day on which seasoned journalists and other people who exercise their freedom of speech are given special rewards. It’s a day on which persecuted journalists who have had their say are remembered. Therefore, the day is historic for journalists and the society.
“So it’s high time the youth understand that they have huge responsibilities in respect of their coming out to enjoy their freedom of speech. However, in the course of doing so, they are not advised to demean anybody or incite the public.”
On his part, the head of the department, Professor Nuhu D. Gapsiso, cautioned against defamation and slander in the name of press freedom.
He said, “This day is meant to celebrate the press freedom journalists enjoy. However, this right they are given, although it’s part of the law, requires them to be truthful and treat people with respect without trampling on their rights or abusing them. This is because it’s believed that the work of journalists that has to do with reporting what is happening around the world is very important.
“It’s through this that people’s rights can be protected and expanded. Some use their power and wealth to abuse people’s rights, which is not right. Therefore, it’s a must for journalists to always investigate these and let people be in the know of all that happens.”
Similarly, in his presentation, on the Day, Professor Abubakar Mu’azu, who is also a lecturer in the department, talked extensively about the history of World Press Freedom Day and its significance to journalism.
He said, ” It is a day of reflection among media professionals about the issues of press freedom on professional ethics.”
Mu’azu also admonished journalists to be objective in their professional conduct, adding that government should ensure the safety of media professionals across the country.
At the end of the programme, there was an interactive session between the audience and lecturers, and more clarifications were given on the top of discussion.
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