By Etido Okon
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State chapter has lauded the vital role the media play in keeping the society informed, educated, and entertained.
The Chairman of NYCN in the State, Mr. Dan Obo in an interview with CrossRiverWatch to commemorate the 2023 World Press Freedom Day, appreciated the Press who are putting all their effort and time despite the odds in the field to add value to both the democracy and the society.
“For me, today is a day where we recall back the value the press has brought to both democracy and society at large.
“So as young Cross Riverians who know that the young people are also part and parcel of today’s press and also young Cross Riverians who also saw our parents who went through a lot of pains in making sure that the Nigeria we have today stands.”
He called on the government at all levels to continue to give press freedom to the media who are regarded as the “WatchDog” of the society as well as the fourth arm of government.
He continued: “Some were attacked, some were brutalized, others their families had a lot of traumas, some died, all in the quest for us to have the kind of democracy we have today and so, we celebrate today and pray the government continues to give the press the freedom to say it the way it is, the freedom to be fair in reporting, the freedom to be just and equitable in all their dealings because the Press is where the poor man goes to vent his or her anger and even get attention in addressing of critical infrastructure, communal crisis and all of that.
“For us at the Youth Council in Cross River State, we celebrate the press and we totally support the Press freedom.
“We believe that Cross River State will be an example in terms of press freedom, we are of the confidence of the transcending government and even the government that is coming in terms of the press having its freedom in Cross River State, they both have character and are also press friendly.
So once again, congratulations to our country, congratulations to our State, and congratulations to the Press community. Once again we appreciate you all.”