Kanempress Applauds MacArthur Foundation and WSCIJ for Championing Better Journalism in Nigeria
By Admin
Kanempress Digital Hub
5th November 2024
In commemorating the 2024 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Publisher and Editor -In -Chief of Kanempress Digital Hub, Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha, has commended the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) for their continuous advocacy for better journalistic practices in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Their tireless efforts in promoting press freedom and safeguarding the rights of media professionals are invaluable in the fight for a more just and transparent society, Comrade Mustapha said,”.
Ibrahim Mustapha made this call at the Foyer of Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting House, Ikoyi, Lagos, which became a gathering place for voices united in a common cause: the safety of journalists. As we marked the 2024 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, this year’s theme—”Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies”—resonated deeply, reminding us of the risks faced by those dedicated to uncovering the truth in perilous conditions.
A Powerful Gathering
The event, organized by SPCD and the management of Voice of Nigeria, in partnership with Kanempress Digital Hub and 3 in-house unions. It was a platform not only for discussions but for solidarity—a celebration of the brave men and women who report in the line of fire.
Dr. Mujeedah Abdul-Aleem Olagunju, Assistant Director of the SPCD Department and organizer of the event, opened the gathering by emphasizing the significance of the UN’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed on November 2nd each year. Voice of Nigeria marked the day on November 4th, joining global efforts to highlight the dangers faced by journalists, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Russia. The event also featured speakers who shared advice on how journalists can protect themselves while reporting the truth without becoming targets themselves.
Earlier, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, represented by the Deputy Director of Training, Mrs. Ugonma Cokey, commended the SPCD Department and all other partners for organizing this important and timely event. She also called for more professionalism in the media, urging participants to be mindful of the need for balanced reporting and stressing the importance of addressing fake news, disinformation, and misinformation within the industry.
To enrich the discussion, several Directors and Deputy Directors also added their voices, contributing valuable insights to the conversation.
Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha: A Voice for the Voiceless
Zannah Mustapha, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Kanempress Digital Hub, also a RATTAWU, Chairman, one of the leading Union in Voice of Nigeria. In his heartfelt address that resonated with everyone present. He expressed gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) for their strong commitments to advocating for journalist safety. Mustapha underscored the vital role these organizations play in a world where journalists are increasingly under threat.
“Every statistic represents a life, a story cut short,” Mustapha said, invoking the names of those who have paid the ultimate price for their dedication to truth. He highlighted the grim reality that Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, with a chilling rise in violence against media professionals.
The Human Impact of Attacks
A call to action, emphasizing that violence against journalists doesn’t just silence voices—it erases critical narratives that shape our understanding of the world. He reminded participants that when journalists are threatened, democracy itself is at risk. “The health of our democracy is intricately linked to the health of journalism,” he stated, urging support for media professionals who work tirelessly to inform the public.
The Need for Fair Compensation and Support
Recognizing the economic challenges that journalists face, Mustapha advocated for better salaries and working conditions for media profession “If we expect journalists to thrive, we must ensure they can sustain themselves,” he noted. The financial stability of media organizations is crucial in fostering an environment where journalists can operate freely and without fear.
A Collective Responsibility
As the event unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with a shared determination to protect those who bring us the truth. The stories shared highlighted not only the bravery of journalists but also the collective responsibility we all share in ensuring their safety. The words of journalist Masha Gessen echoed in the Foyer: “The first step in any attempt to break the power of the state is to ensure the safety of those who will speak truth to power.”
A Future of Safety and Freedom
As we reflect on the significance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, we celebrate the efforts of organizations like the MacArthur Foundation and WSCIJ. Their advocacy is not just about protecting journalists; it’s about preserving our right to information and the very essence of democracy.
Together, let us commit to a future where journalists can report safely and freely, empowered to tell the stories that matter. In doing so, we honor their courage and affirm our collective responsibility to safeguard the truth.
Other speakers were Chairman, SSASCGOC, Comrade Sagbale Anthony, which pointed out that in many regions, journalists are subject to brutal reprisals simply for doing their jobs and hence call for unity and better treatment of Journalists while Jumoke Falaye, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), echoed the need for systemic changes to protect media workers, including better working conditions.
