By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The publisher of CrossRiverWatch and founder of the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism, (AJFIAJ) has lauded journalists across the globe on World Press Freedom Day.
AJFIAJ founder, Citizen Agba Jalingo in a statement said marking the day is essential, especially in Cross River.
He said, “Press freedom is essential to the functioning of any democratic society, especially in Cross River State. It allows for the free flow of information, the exchange of ideas, and the ability of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. As journalists, we have a responsibility to report the truth, to investigate wrongdoing, and to shine a light on issues that are important to our communities.”
On the hazardous nature of the job he said, “But this work is not without risk. As we have seen around the world, journalists face harassment, intimidation, and violence for simply doing their jobs. In Nigeria, where I am from, we have seen a crackdown on press freedom in recent years, with laws that restrict our ability to report on important issues and a climate of fear that discourages journalists from pursuing investigative journalism.”
Committing the foundation to support journalists he averred that, “At the Agba Jalingo Foundation, we are committed to supporting investigative and accountability journalism in Nigeria and beyond. We provide resources and training for journalists to report on issues that are often ignored by the mainstream media, and we work to promote the safety and protection of journalists in the face of threats and intimidation.”
In conclusion, he maintained that “On this World Press Freedom Day, let us celebrate the crucial role that journalism plays in our societies. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in pursuit of the truth. And let us continue to fight for the freedom to report without fear or favor, for the protection of our colleagues, and for the right of all citizens to access the information they need to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities. Thank you.”