By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), media stakeholders, government officials and rights advocates on Thursday called for stronger protection of journalists and press freedom as Nigeria commemorated the 2026 World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
The one-day training for journalists, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was organised by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.
The event had as its theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
In his welcome remarks, the resident Representative, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Nigeria, Moritz Sprenker described journalism as a cornerstone of democratic systems, stressing that press freedom remains essential to human rights protection, development and national stability.
According to him, societies where journalists operate freely are better equipped to address crises, disagreements and social change, while suppression of the media creates room for misinformation, instability and polarization.
Sprenker noted that journalism requires courage, persistence and strong professional ethics, urging journalists to continue asking difficult questions and defending fact-based public discourse.
“Press freedom is not something that can be taken for granted. It depends on people who are willing to uphold it day by day with professional integrity and commitment,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Dapo Olorunyomi paid tribute to generations of Nigerian journalists and civic actors who sacrificed to expand the frontiers of free expression in the country.
He warned that democratic institutions across the world were under pressure from misinformation, restrictive laws, political intimidation and regulatory overreach, adding that Nigeria was not exempt from such challenges.
Olorunyomi stressed that peace, development and security cannot thrive where truth is suppressed or citizens are denied the right to question authority.
“Protecting press freedom is not just about safeguarding journalists, it is about preserving society’s ability to know, question and demand accountability,” he stated.
He called for stronger legal protections for journalists, sustainable media models and greater collaboration among civil society groups, newsrooms and judicial institutions to resist attacks on free expression.
In his keynote address, Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu said press freedom remains a fundamental pillar of democracy, peace, accountability and human dignity.
Ojukwu expressed concern over growing cases of attacks on journalists, intimidation of media practitioners and shrinking civic space in Nigeria, warning that no society can claim to be democratic where journalists are censored or silenced.
He noted that the media plays a crucial role in exposing corruption, amplifying vulnerable voices and promoting transparency and civic engagement.
The NHRC Executive Secretary reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting journalists and media rights through monitoring violations, advocating accountability and supporting reforms that strengthen media independence.
He, however, urged journalists to embrace ethical and responsible journalism amid the growing spread of fake news, hate speech and deep fake content across digital platforms.
“Freedom of expression must never be weaponised to incite violence, promote discrimination or threaten national peace and security,” he cautioned.
Delivering his remarks as Special Guest of Honour, Mohammed Idris described journalism as one of the strongest pillars of truth, transparency and democratic stability.
The minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to protecting democratic freedoms and media independence within the limits of national security.
According to him, the Federal Government was investing in digital innovation, broadband expansion, cybersecurity and technology-driven reforms to strengthen governance and promote citizens’ participation in national development.
Idris acknowledged the difficult environment faced by journalists, including online harassment, misinformation and economic pressures, stressing the need for stronger institutional support and collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and media groups.
He also urged journalists to uphold professionalism, integrity and balanced reporting, warning against fake news, divisive narratives and misinformation.
“The future of journalism must be anchored on truth, professionalism, innovation and public trust,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to engage constructively with media stakeholders to strengthen democratic governance and ensure journalism continues to serve as a force for peace, accountability and national development.
