The Senior Program Officer on Press Freedom at the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), Joy Gadani, has issued a statement to commemorate the 2023 World Press Freedom Day, stating that Nigeria has recorded the highest incidences of press freedom violations this year, with cases associated with the February/March elections held in the country.
Gadani, in her statement, noted that the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3rd as “World Press Freedom Day” three decades ago in 1993, and in the last 30 years, there has been significant advancement in media development with widespread acceptance of independent media, digitization of media platforms, and media mainstreaming, which have increased access to information and information dissemination globally.
However, the media industry has also faced challenges over the years with attacks from both state and non-state actors. Issues such as safety of journalists, freedom of expression, and media freedom remain at the core of human rights violations. Poor remuneration of journalists, government interference, and outright suppression in Africa continue to limit the practice of journalism, with global trends revealing that journalists are the most targeted profession by repressive governments.
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The Senior Program Officer expressed concern over the trend of press freedom violations, which limit professionalism and the practice of journalism. She called on governments, philanthropists, corporate organizations, and media enthusiasts to support media development at all levels, whether local or foreign. She urged citizens to practice responsible citizen journalism that promotes peace and development, while authorities, political office holders, and security agencies should embrace the media as a partner in development and ensure that no individual or agency of government abuses their power by violating the rights of journalists.
Gadani paid special tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the discharge of their duties and those currently facing jail terms, detention, or some form of incarceration. She called for justice to find its way to them and expressed the hope that the struggle for a free press will become a reality soon. She concluded that the AMDF remains resolute to support media safety and development, and will not relent in speaking against any act that violates press freedom in Africa.
