As Nigeria joins rest of the world in marking the 2020 World Press Freedom Day, the Chancellor/Proprietor Gregory University, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe has congratulated with members of Abia State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), saying the press is an important stakeholder in the development of nations.
The educationist in a letter addressed to NUJ chairman in the state, dated May 3, 2020, and made available to ABN TV called on journalists to remain steadfast in the discharge of their functions with strict adherence to professionalism while maintaining loyalty to citizens.
“It is with great pleasure that I write to felicitate with the entire leadership and members of the Abia State chapter of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in commemoration of the 2020 World Press Freedom Day celebrated globally on May 3, 2020.
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“The importance of the concept of press freedom, especially in a developing nation like ours, cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore the responsibility of all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to work towards creating an egalitarian society enabled by a free press. Subsequently, i enjoin you as members of the fourth estate of the realm to be guided by the founding principles of journalism, by standing on the truth always, while maintaining steadfast loyalty to the citizens. I enjoin you to continue to protect the independence of journalists and journalism fiercely and to tell the truth to power, regardless of how it may be received. Above all, resist the ever-present lure to sell the pen to the highest bidder, being constantly reminded of the fact that fair journalism saves lives and restores the society.
“In the face of the threats posed to society by the COVID 19 pandemic, I wish to implore you to deploy journalism and indeed the media profession to the task of creating all forms of awareness about the scourge to the grassroots, in performance of your Corporate Social Responsibility.
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“As a major stakeholder in the media industry, I am privileged to employ many journalists in my media establishments, including The Nigerian Royal Mail Newspaper, Academia Uncut Newspaper, Gregory FM, Gregory TV, Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) and the recently licensed Skills FM. It is therefore my desire to continue to partner NUJ and other stakeholders in the media industry in the onerous task of ensuring the freedom of the press” he said.
