WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, DR IFEOMA ADAORA ANYANWUTAKU (MRS.) ON THE OCCASION OF THE A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP ON “JOURNALISM UNDER DIGITAL SEIGE” HELD AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CENTER, RADIO HOUSE, ABUJA ON THE 10TH OF JUNE, 2022.
Protocols
It is a great honour to welcome you all to this one-day institutional interaction/workshop on ‘’Journalism under Digital Siege’’ which centers on the theme of the 2022 World Press Freedom Day Celebration.
2. This workshop is part of our effort in supporting the media in the effective discharge of its role in National Development. It is also geared towards acknowledging the important role the media plays in entrenching our democratic ethos.
3. This workshop will provide a platform for our media professionals to take stock of their progress so far, and get enlightened on best media practices in the digital era.
4. As you are fully aware, the World Press Freedom Day celebrates the fundamental principles of Press Freedom. It provides an opportunity for journalists, civil society groups, the Academia and Government to discuss emerging challenges to press freedom and the safety of journalists. It creates an avenue for these groups to work together to proffer solutions to the challenges of this noble profession.
5. In addition, a major objective of this annual event is to guard the media from attacks on its independence while paying tribute to Journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their professional duties.
6. Distinguished invited guests and members of the 4th estate of the realm, globalization has greatly impacted the practice of Journalism today. The theme of this workshop ’Journalism Under Digital Seige’’ is quite significant for the Press today who deal with information on a global scale. It gives us the opportunity to explore the digital eras impact on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. It also serves as a clarion call to find ways to effectively protect our data as well as allow for the dissemination of credible and factual information to the citizenry.
7. As has been said severally in the past, you must always realize that as journalists and media personnel, the freedom of expression you enjoy comes with special responsibilities. As such, as media practitioners, you must operate within the confines of the law and respect the dignity of other citizens. You must also remember to be circumspect in your reportage by taking into cognizance our national security, the preservation of public good and promoting peace and stability in our dear country.
8. Your role in nation building cannot be overemphasized. You must use your platforms to continue to conduct ourselves credibly and professionally in the discharge of your duties.
9. Let me express our gratitude to the UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, NATCOM UNESCO, the NCC, FRCN, VON, NPC, Clean Nigeria Campaign and NBC for joining hands with the ministry to organize this workshop. As a ministry, we shall continue to cooperate with all stake holders in the media industry and do everything possible to provide a conducive environment for media practice to thrive in Nigeria.
10. It is my firm belief that this workshop will further broaden your knowledge of the digital world and guide you on how to safely navigate the cyberspace. We will from time to time organize workshops such as this one, to build the capacity of our media industry. At this juncture, I thank everyone here present and wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you for listening.
