Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has felicitated with Nigerian journalists on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every May 3 internationally.
This year’s celebration marks 31 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision to proclaim an international day for press freedom, and the president says the landmark is a tribute to media professionals, who risk their lives to keep society informed and educated.
In a message published on his verified X account, the PDP stalwart hailed journalists for their immense contributions to the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria.
While acknowledging the numerous challenges and threats journalists face in their line of duty, Atiku, however, charged them to continue to be patriotic, work for the cohesion of the country, assuring that their efforts and sacrifices would not go unnoticed.
He wrote: “On this occasion of the #WorldPressFreedomDay, I join the rest of the world to celebrate the work of all traditional and social media citizen journalists as well as other media professionals who work on behalf of Nigerian citizens to expose truths, even in the face of government adversity.
“The fourth estate of the realm as the watchdog of society in Nigeria has always been at the forefront of holding the government accountable, all through the days of the military regimes and even now. I painfully acknowledge the challenges and threats faced by our pen-fighters and use this opportunity to reaffirm my eternal commitment to press freedom and the safety of all journalists across all spheres and especially the internet which is fast becoming a major medium of journalistic operations. To all journalists who have paid the ultimate price in the battle to enthrone and sustain democracy and for a better society, be assured that your sacrifices will not be in vain.
“To all journalists and on behalf of all my associates and supporters, I say thank you for your sacrifices, thank you for your service, and I will always stand in solidarity with you. -AA”
