Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated journalists for their commitment to the tenets of the profession as they mark the Y2022 World Press Freedom Day.
“Our administration will continue to encourage Press Freedom and provide an enabling environment for good journalism to flourish,” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Calling on journalists to rededicate themselves to courageous and objective journalism, Mr. Governor said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Journalism Under Digital Siege”, lends credence to the need for professionals to confront the surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks on journalists and their trade.
“The emergence of fake news, especially its dominance on digital and social media, has challenged the reputation of the profession as the channel of credible information,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He urged policymakers, journalists, media personnel, lawmakers, internet experts and other stakeholders to dialogue on ways of ensuring that the profession remains for all a beacon of hope and integrity.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State, being the biggest home of the media in Nigeria, will always ensure press freedom and encourage the Fourth Estate of the Realm to play its critical role in our democracy without any obstacle.