Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Police has promised to continue to support journalists who risk their lives to disseminate information to the populace.
The assertion was made by the State Police Commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed in a speech he delivered to the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day organised in conjunction with the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held on Friday at the NUJ Press Center.
Represented by the Command PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili, the CP said, “I am honoured to speak to you today on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. This day marks a celebration of the fundamental right of freedom of expression, which is critical to building a democratic society based on transparency, accountability and justice.
“As we all know, Journalists play a crucial role in safeguarding the truth, monitoring the actions of those in power, and giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.”
“However, we should not turn a blind eye to the many challenges that Journalists face in the course of their work. From harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment to even losing their lives, the threats against journalists are very real and pervasive,” he added.
The CP stressed that “The proliferation of fake news and cybercrime are significant challenges that require a comprehensive approach. We need to work together, across all sectors, to develop policies that hold platforms accountable for the spread of misinformation.
“We also need to ensure that media outlets utilise fact-checking services and clearly label news content to inform readers about the nature of the information they deliver.”
“Moreover, it is our collective responsibility to educate members of the public about the risks of cybercrime and the impact of misinformation.
“By teaching people to verify sources and the importance of not spreading unverified information, we can empower individuals to make better decisions online,” he further said.
ALSO READ: World Press Freedom Day: Group advocates journalists’ safety in preserving democracy
According to him, “On this day, we must acknowledge the sacrifices that journalists make to promote peace, security, and harmony in our state and our nation. We must stand in solidarity with them and ensure their security and safety.”
“I want to express my deep appreciation for the robust relationship between the Media and the Bauchi State Police command. As we move forward, let us work together to defend press freedom, and protect the invaluable work of journalists in our increasingly digital world.”
While speaking, the Chairman, Bauchi State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, said that the training for journalists on World Press Freedom Day was organised by the council in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Bauchi State Command, with the theme: “Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”.
According to him, “This means, this year, the World Press Freedom Day will be dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.”
He said that Climate and biodiversity crises are not only affecting the environment and ecosystems but also the lives of billions of people around the world as their stories deserve to be known and shared because exposing the crisis is the first step in solving it.
“That is why the role of Journalists is crucial. It is through their work, their courage and their perseverance that we can know what is happening across the world,” he added.
The NUJ Chairman said, “We believe that it is only when Journalists are trained and acquainted with ideas and information that they can share the knowledge widely and educate the public via their media platforms, hence, the decision to organise this important training.”
Source: