By Isa Isawade
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Southwest Zone, today joins the global media community to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2026 with the theme, Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.
The global conference for this year’s observance is organized by UNESCO and co-hosted with the Government of Zambia, scheduled for May 4–5, 2026 in Lusaka.
In a press release on Sunday, the Vice President, NUJ Zone B Comrade Ronke Afebioye-Samo said, World Press Freedom Day is a reminder that peace is built on truth, accountability, and the free flow of information.
“Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993, World Press Freedom Day celebrates the principles of press freedom, assesses the state of press freedom worldwide, defends the media from attacks on their independence, and honours journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“It reaffirms Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media,” Samo said.
The zone, in the release, highlighted three major issues affecting press freedom in Nigeria.
1. Safety of Journalists
Samo condemned the continued harassment and physical attacks on journalists covering elections, protests, and communal crises in the Southwest. “A journalist in fear cannot hold power to account. We call on security agencies and state governments to investigate and prosecute attacks on media workers. Impunity fuels repetition.”
2. AI and Disinformation
While artificial intelligence offers tools for faster reporting and factchecking, it also accelerates disinformation and deepfakes that threaten stability, the statement noted.
“If we want peace, we must pair innovation with responsibility. Media houses need training to detect AI-generated falsehoods, and tech platforms must be transparent about content moderation. NUJ Southwest will prioritise AI literacy for members this year,” it added.
3. Access to Information and Media Welfare
The Union called for full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act at state and local levels. “Denial of data is denial of development,” Samo said. She also stressed that poor remuneration, unpaid salaries, and lack of insurance leave reporters vulnerable. “Media owners, government, and private sector partners must see journalists’ welfare as a security investment. A hungry press cannot defend democracy.”
Samo reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to training members on conflict-sensitive reporting, engage lawmakers on stronger protections, and partner with civil society to expand access to public information.
“Peace, human rights, and development depend on a press that is free, safe, and sustainable.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, we ask all stakeholders: let us shape that future together, starting with protecting those who tell the story,” the statement concluded.
