By Joseph Albert, Awka
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu has been unwavering in his commitment to press freedom and protection of journalists because of his understanding that a free and responsible press is indispensable to democracy.
Speaking in Owerri, Imo State during the 8th triennial delegate conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, the Minister, represented by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said journalists’ role is indispensable in shaping a society that values transparency, accountability and justice; as they, through their reports, empower citizens with information needed to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable.
He described the theme of the event, “Media and Democracy: the journalist’s role in holding leaders accountable”, as one at the heart of the collective responsibility to build and sustain a thriving democracy, noting that holding leaders accountable demands courage, integrity and professionalism.
The Minister said democracy, as being practiced in Nigeria, thrives on transparency, accountability and citizen participation, adding that promoting media literacy will help to foster a more discerning audience and strengthen the role of journalism in nation-building.
