Stakeholders in the media have reaffirmed that a free press is indispensable to maintaining democracy, fostering national peace, and driving development.
They made this known during a one-day training for journalists on the role of investigative journalism in protecting human rights and strengthening democracy
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), organised the event to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.
The theme of the event is: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security”
Speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, said an independent journalism promotes transparency, holds power accountable, and acts as a cornerstone for conflict resolution and stability
Idris was represented by Mr Dili Ezughah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council.
” The theme of today’s engagement, journalism for peace, human rights, and democratic development, speaks directly to the critical role the media continues to play in shaping societies, strengthening democratic institutions, advancing accountability, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
” At a time when the world faces increasing polarisation, misinformation, insecurity, digital manipulation, and attacks on democratic values, journalism remains one of the strongest pillars for truth, transparency, and social stability.
” A responsible and professional media does not measure the consequences.
” It builds bridges of understanding and provides voices to the vulnerable, promotes national unity, and safeguards democratic ideals. Indeed, peace and democracy cannot flourish where truth is suppressed.
” Human rights cannot thrive when permission is manipulated, and development cannot be sustained without an informed and enlightened system.
He said the Press has a critical role to play in shaping societies, strengthening democratic institutions, advancing accountability, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
” At the time, when the world faces increasing polarisation, disinformation, insecurity, digital manipulation, and attacks on democratic values, journalism remains one of the strongest pillars for truth,transparency, and social stability.
” A responsible and professional media does not merely cause threats. It builds bridges of understanding and provides the voices of the truth”
“Even as we acknowledge these obstacles, we draw strength from the resilience of our communities. When the state of power seeks to constrain, we mitigate.
” When repressive laws are drafted, our challenge to others has been to mobilise against them. And when the truth is buried, our response is to dig deeper” he said.
Mr Moritz Sprenker, the Resident Representative Konrad Adenauer Stiftung , Nigeria said the press influences development by improving governance and transparency.
” A free and independent press is essential for checks and balances. It ensures that power is not exercised in the dark. It makes political decisions transparent.
” It exposes abuse, holds institutions accountable, and gives a voice to those who might otherwise not be heard. Without this function, democracy cannot work effectively.
” This is why press freedom matters far beyond the media sector. It directly affects the protection of human rights.
” It influences development by improving governance and transparency. And it contributes to stability by building trust and allowing conflicts to be addressed openly rather than suppressed.
”Where journalists can work freely, societies are better equipped to deal with crisis, disagreement, and change.
‘ Where they cannot, uncertainty grows — and space opens for misinformation, polarisation, and instability” he said
He reminded participants that this work is not easy adding, It requires courage, persistence, and a strong professional ethic.
Similarly, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi , chief executive officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), said development is shaped by the promoting of freedom of the press.
He said shaping the future of our communities, promoting press freedom, human rights, empowerment, and security is the goal of free press
” History teaches us that peace can not thrive where truth is hidden, and government cannot flourish where demolition is intended.
“Press freedom is not just about protecting women, it is about safeguarding society’s ability to look to oppression and to demand accountability.
” So as we confront these challenges, I want you to care, not just to celebrate press freedom, but to fortify it, and in doing this, we must protect women and their rights through legal reform and security reforms.
Speaking also, Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, Executive Secretary of NHRC represented by Dr Hiliary Ogbonna, senior human rights adviser to the commission said the media remains cardinal pillar for achievement of peace.
According to him, the right to freedom of expression and the media remain a cardinal pillar for the achievement of peaceful, inclusive, and democratic societies.
He noted that a society where journalists are intimidated, censored, attacked, or silenced cannot truly make it to be democratic or secure.
” Press freedom is not an abstract ideal, it is a practical necessity for national development and sustainable peace, the media serves as the conscience of the society .
” Through investigative reporting, public education, and civic engagement, journalists expose corruption, amplify the voices of vulnerable populations, promote transparency, and hold institutions accountable.
” In conflict and insecurity situations, responsible journalism can help counter misinformation, reduce tensions, and promote social inclusion.
” At the same time, we must acknowledge the increasingly difficult environment in which journalists operate today” said Ojukwu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event brought together journalists, civil society, and human rights experts to discuss the role of investigative journalism in protecting human rights and strengthening democracy
‘ Assessing the impact of critical investigative journalism in human right protection and nation building ” was moderated by Ms Busola Ajibola.
The discussants are Isa Sanusi, country director, Amnesty International, Fatimh Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, NHRC.
Others are Matthew Ojodoma, Journalist and media practitioner and Godwin Onyeacholem, senior programme African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)!.
Mr Akintunde Babatunde, Executive secretary, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) spoke on the official launch of the Press Attack Tracker (PAT West Africa).
PAT is a tool to monitor and respond to attacks on journalists.
He gave contact number to call when the Journalist is attacked as 07060794989 and the site at Press Attack. Africa
for journalists
Hauwa Nuhu, the Managing Editor, HumAngle spoke on the topic ‘Strategic Approaches and Dignity-centered conduct in Human Rights Reporting for Journalists.
Ms Chirstiana Longe, project manager, media freedom, CJID spoke on “Legal First Aid for Journalists.
Press freedom day is celebrated every May 3, annually.