By Eben Enasco
In Nigeria, the freedom of expression is protected by section 39 subsection one of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution, but despite this constitutional protection, media organizations are largely controlled by the government.
Professor Eddy Erhagbe of the Department of History and International Relations, University of Benin, as the guest speaker at the 2023 World Press Freedom Day with the theme; “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all Other Human Rights”, believes that the freer the press, the better informed the society.
Erhagbe who gave the admonition on Wednesday said in trying to pursue what society considers human rights, the role of the press in an egalitarian society, can not be undervalued, adding that access to information and accountability must be safeguarded for better living conditions.
Earlier, the host and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, lamented the number of journalists who had been victimized and killed while carrying out their legitimate duties.
Alenkhe, however, encouraged Journalists in the state not to be deterred, while urging them to be professional on such grounds.
Others who spoke at the event, including an Edo-born billionaire Dr. Dorry Okojie and a transporter Hon. Festus Agbonifo admitted that press freedom is sacrosanct if the society must enjoy the dividends of democracy.
It was the 30th edition of World Press Freedom Day marked across the globe on May 3, annually.
