Monday, September 8, 2025
24.1 C
Lagos

Guild of Editors Demands Special Protection for Journalists Covering Covid-19 Pandemic

 

On the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, wishes to congratulate all journalists in the country and across the world, especially those in the frontline covering the Covid-19 pandemic. The Guild urges media owners to provide special protective equipment for these journalists, in order for them not to be infected.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. This special day acts as a reminder to governments, of the need to respect their commitment to Press Freedom. Besides, it also provides an opportunity for media professionals to reflect on, and renew their commitment to the best practices that promote professionalism, ethical reporting and public-spirited advocacy.

Journalists across the world have had to face daunting challenges and dangers in the discharge of their duties with some having to pay the supreme price, while others have been harassed and jailed.

For instance, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a non-governmental organisation, says 55 journalists across 23 countries have died from Covid-19 infection between March and April, 2020.  This is aside the six journalists killed by state actors this year alone across the globe, and about 250 more languishing in different prisons and detention centres. The body of editors therefore, demands the immediate release of all detained journalists in Nigeria and all over the world.

While we commiserate with the families and friends of our departed colleagues, the Guild urges all journalists to abide by the basic protocol of the World Health Organisation (WHO), namely: maintaining physical distancing, washing of hands regularly, wearing of masks, among others. In addition to observing these protocols, the Guild urges journalists to use their various media platforms to enlighten the publics on the need to observe these protocols and any other precautionary measures.

The Guild aligns with the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in calling on journalists to act professionally as “antidote” to the pandemic of misinformation and fake news, bordering on harmful health advice and conspiracy theories surrounding the Covid-19 crisis.

The NGE insists that, as journalists, we must not at any time abuse the right to press freedom to disseminate false and unverified stories on Covid-19 pandemic or any other subject matter.

The Guild commends the Federal and State governments as well as all relevant health institutions and personnel for their spirited efforts at containing the novel viral pandemic. We, however, condemn the harassment of journalists in some states by security personnel during the lockdown. Journalists are in the frontline and are partners in the collective effort at combating the pandemic, hence should be accorded all respect and privileges, including protection from harassment and assault in the hands of security agents. Nigeria and indeed the world, needs a free press to effectively report the pandemic and other issues.

The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020 is: “Journalism Without Fear or Favour” and the sub-themes are: ”Safety of Women and Men Journalists and Media Workers”; ”Independent and Professional Journalism Free From Political and Commercial Influence;” and ” Gender Equality in All Aspect of the Media”.

The Guild urges all relevant stakeholders, including media professionals, to forge a synergy that would engender the realisation of these lofty themes for the good of society and mankind.

 

 

 

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Nigeria, Brazil Central Banks Deepen Economic, Financial Co-operation

Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has held talks...

Ecobank Nigeria to Host Second Edition of Design & Build, Showcasing Premier Innovators in Design, Construction

Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the leading pan-African banking...

Expert: Fintech, Financial Inclusion Critical for Sustainable Growth of Nigerian Economy

A renowned economist, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, the Chief Consultant/CEO,...

Sterling Bank Marks One Year of Africa’s Groundbreaking Core Banking System

Number one Best Workplace in Banking in Nigeria and...

Topics

Brand Africa to Unveil Africa’s Top 100 Brands on Oct 22

Brand Africa is to release its highly anticipated 4th Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings of the Top 100 Most Admired and Most Valuable brands in Africa at a Gala event at Sandton Convention Center on 22 October 2015. The rankings, first launched in 2011 at the 2nd Brand Africa FORUM, have been held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2011 in partnership with Brand South Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya in 2014 in partnership with the Kenya Securities Exchange and in New York in 2013 partnership with African Business on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Fidelity Bank Extends Relief Efforts to Eti-Osa Community with Food Bank Initiative

Henry Asiegbu, Divisional Head, Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc (Left);...

NEM Named Platinum Insurance Services Provider of the Decade

  L-R: Mrs. Moji Teluwo, DGM, Corporate Services, NEM Insurance...

NAIC Unveils New CEO, Executive Directors

  Mr. Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani Managing Director /CEO His Excellency, President...

NCDMB, NLNG, Shell, Others for 11th Practical Nigerian Content Forum Dec 5

  Deepening Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Decade of...

‘7 Key Indices to Drive Equity Market in 2018’

Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, Managing Director, Afrinvest Securities Limited, says...

‘New Mortgage Policy Will Catalyze Pension Industry, Boost Economy’- PENOP

The Pension Operators would like to commend the National...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img