The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has pledged to continue defending press freedom and promoting fact-based journalism as the world marks World News Day on September 28.
In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuohe Ukeh, the NGE joined the international community in celebrating the day, which highlights the importance of truth-driven journalism in sustaining democracy.
“As a body, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom,” the Guild said. “We salute journalists in Nigeria and worldwide who work tirelessly to bring us the truth as we recommit to our mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely.”
The Guild, however, expressed concern over what it described as growing attempts to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria. It vowed to resist any effort to harass or intimidate journalists.
“We will always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standard in our noble profession, and resist any move, in whatever means, to harass and intimate journalists as well as impede journalism,” the statement read.
The NGE also urged journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, and propaganda, while upholding accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts in their work.
It called on government at all levels to stop using repressive laws, including the Cybercrime Act, to intimidate journalists, and further demanded that authorities comply with the Freedom of Information Act by granting access to requested information.
The Guild noted that fact-based journalism was “the foundation of a healthy democracy,” enabling citizens to make informed decisions. It urged Nigerians to stand with journalists facing threats, warning that any success in silencing the press would endanger democracy and freedom of expression.
The statement concluded with a goodwill message: “We wish Nigerians and journalists Happy World News Day.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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