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WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY: NGE Says Press freedom crucial to Democracy, good governance

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·        Requests NASS to initiate law against abusive, strategic lawsuits

·        Salutes journalists working under harsh economic conditions



Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has reaffirmed that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to public information are crucial to democracy and must be at the heart of Nigerian government’s values and actions.

The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria also said that it recognizes the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/ independent media in protecting the country democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.

In a press statement issued on Thursday to mark this year World Press Freedom Day and signed by its President, Mr. Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Guild also requested the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists, who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.

This year, the World Press Freedom Day, is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis.

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, this day helps to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.

‘’In line with the theme of this year celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

‘’Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalized voices; promoting transparency and accountability; fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions’’, the editors added.

More importantly, the NGE added that this year’s World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for every stakeholder in the media community to continue to drum it to the hearing of both state and non-state actors – about the importance of press freedom and the challenges being faced by journalists, including censorship, harassment, imprisonment and violence. And the urgent need by the government to take deliberate and sustained action to promote press freedom and good journalism in the country.

According to the editors, ‘’The federal government will fundamentally be promoting the enabling environment for media to operate responsibly if it adopts a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them.

‘’The federal government should take a clue from the European Union and other democracies around the world, who have adopted similar laws to protect journalists and media houses against Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP suit).

‘’More so, there are still many obnoxious and anti-media laws in our statutory books that are targeted at journalists and media houses. The National Assembly (NASS) must take immediate step to repeal them.’’

The NGE also urged government at all levels, international organizations and civil society organization to protect and promote press freedom; ensure safety and security for journalists/media houses; and ensure that all restrictive laws and policies targeted at the media are repealed.

The NGE added, ‘’We celebrate the courageousness and commitment of journalists across the country, who continue to risk everything to bring us the truth and reliable/credible information. We also acknowledge the growing threats to press freedom – from violence and censorship to disinformation and economic pressures.

‘’We pay tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives or faced persecution, and we stand in solidarity with those under threat or attack and those who continue to work under very harsh economic conditions.’’

The editors said that they will continue to advocate for press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, adding that they are crucial to good governance, democratic societies and fundamental human rights.

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Anambra Govt Debunks Video of Soludo’s Reelection Visit to Native Doctor

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The Anambra State Government has debunked the misinformation, malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments in the video of the recently arrested Native doctor in the state.

In a press statement signed by Christian Aburime, the state Press Secretary to the Governor on June 4, 2025, the State Government debunked the allegations that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects, stressing that the information is totally false.

The statement reads: The attention of Anambra State Government has been drawn to a malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments making spurious claims that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects.

The State Government hereby debunks the allegations as totally false. For the interest of the general public, the video clip being maliciously circulated and misrepresented, as evidence of native doctor consultation, was taken during a recent official government meeting with Anambra-based content creators.

The session, facilitated by the Special Senior Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, was organised to strengthen the partnership between the State Government and the creative industry as part of Governor Soludo’s commitment in encouraging and supporting Anambra’s creative economy.

During the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to showcase their talents, ask questions, and share their concerns about the creative industry in the state.

As part of the presentations, one of the content creators performed a native doctor skit, a common comic genre in Nigerian entertainment, to demonstrate their creative abilities to the Governor and other officials present.

This was purely an entertainment performance by a content creator, not a consultation session. The State Government thus found it deeply disappointing that critics and political opponents would stoop so low as to deliberately fabricate malicious narratives from an innocent entertainment performance and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

Rather than engage in frivolous consultations, Governor Soludo has consistently demonstrated his commitment to developing Anambra’s creative economy through investment plans as part of the state’s economic diversification strategy.

The recently commissioned SOLUTION FUN CITY project is part of such investment plans.

The State Government also clarified that Governor Soludo does not need consultations with any native doctor to win reelection, as he relies solely on the support of Ndi Anambra based on his impressive performance and focus on delivering the SOLUTION AGENDA by transforming Anambra State into a livable and prosperous homeland.

Therefore, the Anambra State Government calls on Ndi Anambra, media channels and social media users to disregard the misinformation concerning the circulated video clip.

The public is also urged to always verify information before sharing or amplifying content and reject malicious stories sponsored to mislead the public.

As always, Governor Soludo remains committed to the development of Anambra State and will not be deterred by the antics of desperate political opponents who have chosen the path of falsehood over constructive engagement.

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Tinubu hosts Gov Adeleke, Davido at Lagos residence (Photos)

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to his Lagos residence for a private meeting on Monday.

Accompanying the governor was his elder brother and renowned businessman, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, along with his son, internationally acclaimed Afrobeats artiste David Adeleke, widely known by his stage name, Davido.

The visit was announced in a post by President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who shared details on X on Tuesday.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives in audience H.E. Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, along with Chief Adedeji Adeleke and his son, Afrobeats icon Davido, at his Lagos residence,” Olusegun wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, the reason for the courtesy call had not been made public, and no official statement has been issued either by the Presidency or the Adeleke family.

Images from the visit have surfaced on social media, capturing moments from the closed-door meeting between the President and the Adeleke family members.

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Nigeria should fence its borders for security, says defence chief

Nigeria shares borders with four countries: Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad. All of these neighbouring countries are currently dealing with different levels of insecurity and conflict.

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Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, has called for the country to build fences along its borders to improve national security.

Speaking at a security conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Musa stressed the need for better control of Nigeria’s borders.

He pointed out that other countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have had to fence their borders with Afghanistan and Iraq because of security problems.

Musa said Nigeria needs to fully secure and control its borders, explaining that the country’s wealth and natural resources are attracting insurgents and criminals.

“It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders. It is critical for our survival and sovereignty.”

Nigeria shares borders with four countries: Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad. All of these neighbouring countries are currently dealing with different levels of insecurity and conflict.

BusinessDay

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