The Director, Press, Office of the FCT Minister Mr Anthony Ogunleye, has advised journalists not to relent in discharging their duties as they have the responsibility to uphold democracy.
Mr. Anthony Ogunleye gave this charge during a media chat on the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, in Abuja. He said journalists have aided the development of the Territory.
Mr Ogunleye commended media practitioners for always upholding the tenet of democracy, keeping the government on its toes, and carrying out the fundamental task of journalism, which is to entertain, educate and inform members of society.
He noted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led by Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, over the last seven and half years, has worked very closely with members of the press, and together, they have been able to achieve as much as they did towards developing the FCT.
According to him, press freedom is something that is held very much high in Nigeria, as since the return of democracy in 1999, there has been tremendous freedom of the press, without which democracy cannot thrive.
“We don’t hear of Journalists being incarcerated or killed, molested harassed, or prevented from doing their job.
“Without journalists going out to do their work, to gather facts about issues concerning the society, and to also give the government the tools to make the right decision; and members of the public the knowledge they need to continue to build their society, nothing can work.
“I would like to use the opportunity to congratulate Journalists in the FCT, and commend them for the great work they are doing, not just here in the FCT, but across the country.
“I urge them to continue to do their job. And for those here in the FCTA, as we look forward to welcoming the new FCT Administration after May 29, I will ask them to continue to cooperate with us, work together and let us build the FCT of our collective dreams”, he stressed.
Dominica Nwabufo
