IPC documents attacks on journalists, holds roundtable on way out

In commemoration of the year 2022 World Press Freedom Day, which was marked globally on May 3rd, International Press Center on Wednesday May 11 2022, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers Abuja, launched two documentaries on attacks on Journalists and Media workers during the COVID-19 lockdown as well as the ENDSARS protests in Nigeria.

The event which had in attendance journalists who were victims of attacks and a commendable roundtable of Professional media bodies, security agencies and civil society organizations proffering a way out of the recurring scenario.

In his speech, the Executive Director of International Press Center,IPC, Mr Lanre Arogunda said not minding that the theme for this year’s Press Freedom Day is ‘ Journalism Under Digital Siege’, the occasion was organized mainly to focus on another dimension of the siege to which Journalism and the Media are subjected in Nigeria.

“This other dimension has to do with the lack of protection for Journalists when by the nature of their professional calling, they become front liners during moments of national crisis or public emergency.

“Whenever these situations arise and Journalists brave the odds by throwing themselves into mesh, they do so not out of undue adventurism but because they are the societal watch dog who have the obligation to provide credible information to citizens”, he said.

Arogunda also lamented that despite the enormous task of Journalists disseminating reliable information, helping to resolve issues in conflicts and holding duty bearers accountable, they are still molested and harassed.

IPC, while buttressing its objective of revisiting the past, and organizing a stimulating roundtable discussion on protection for Journalists as frontline workers during emergency periods also saluted the courage of Journalists who were affected, yet opted to tell their stories with the hope that they would be able to get the desired justice.