Osun State Government wants stakeholders to come out with measures that will protect Journalists against the prevailing issues of digital attacks.

The state government noted that this becomes imperative for the continued guarantee of press freedom in the era of digital communication.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode.

It lauds journalists and media professionals, describing them as unsung heroes of the nation’s democracy, reaffirming its continued commitment to upholding both local and international statutes guaranteeing essential freedom of expression.

The Statement also assures journalists, especially those practising in Osun State that it would continue to do all that is legally possible to protect and make their operations as smooth as possible them.

“It is a pleasure to join the government of states and nations in the 2022 commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, as a reaffirmation of the noble role of a free press in a democracy.

“We as a government appreciate the efforts and labours of journalists and media professionals, the unsung heroes of our democracy, who have continued to provide citizens with information about our nation, our government, our lives. Their contributions have been critical to the ability of citizens to hold leaders accountable, as they explain and analyze government policies just as the constitution requires of them.

“The freedom of the press remains an essential pillar of a democratic society. Upon this recognition, the Osun Government has continued to uphold both local and international statutes guaranteeing freedom of expression, but unfortunately, the freedom of the press has continued to be attacked especially by non-state actors who are particular about circumventing the truth.”

It says this year’s theme, “Journalism under Digital Siege”, is very apposite to the goings-on in the media space, as it aims to highlight the multiple ways in which journalists and journalism are endangered by surveillance and digitally meditated attacks.

“The sponsors of this brand of attack have an agenda, which is inimical to public good and wellbeing. This explains why on a day like this, and indeed going forward, relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, journalists, media representatives, activists, cyber security managers, and legal experts, should come together to explore these issues and develop concrete solutions so that the threats posed by increased digital mediation to press freedom and privacy can be addressed.

“We seize this occasion to register our respect and sympathy to journalists who are being harassed, are in danger, and those whose lives have been lost in the cause of their professional duty.

“On our part as a responsible and responsive government we will continue to do all that is legally possible to protect journalists and journalism in the State of the Virtuous, in the collective interest of the good people of Osun”, the statement read.

Also in Ogun, the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, wants media professionals to tackle fake news vendors and abstain from propaganda capable of truncating security and peace in the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun stressed the need for Journalists to always ensure accurate and objective reportage.

The Governor described journalists as the bastion of democracy and urged them not to allow themselves to be used to destabilize or heat up the polity.

Governor Abiodun who noted that though media professionals work in hostile environment in some countries, they have been able to discharge their duties of informing, educating, entertaining and setting agenda for development and growth.

While urging Journalists not to derail from performing their constitutional and social responsibility, the Governor said media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, would be accorded a priority in his administration.

He reiterated that his administration would continue to create conducive atmosphere for the media to thrive and discharge their duties without fear or favour.

Bolanle Adesida / Abiodun Adeoye

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