World Press Day: Ortom Commends Journalists’ Courage

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has, on Tuesday, commended the courage and resilience of Nigerian journalists in promoting the tenets of democracy in Nigeria.

The governor, in commemorating this year’s World Press Freedom Day, said credit must be given to the press for the enduring democracy and its resilience in the face of daunting challenges as it kept informing, educating, and entertaining the people.

“Journalism Under Digital Siege”, being the theme of this year’s commemoration, the governor noted the harsh environment under which the Nigerian media is operating and therefore, urged the Federal Government to allow subsidies and import waivers for media equipment.

He noted that this would assist the media industry in surviving the harsh economic environment and put it in better stead to contribute immensely to the socio-economic and political development of the country.

The Governor also urged the press to remain steadfast in the discharge of its responsibilities, saying, “of all professions, it is only the Press that is empowered by the Constitution of Nigeria to hold governments and its functionaries accountable at all times.”

He, however, counseled the media to always exercise caution in reporting issues that affect the security, welfare, and wellbeing of citizens to avoid needless sensations.