*Group photograph
…As CJID launches Press Attack Tracker
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has harped on the essence of enhancing and protecting press freedom and Journalists from attacks.
He noted that apart from strengthening press freedom as a stimulant towards promoting human rights, it incubates democratic development and national security.
The Executive Secretary spoke at the opening session of the 2026 World Press Freedom Day programme with the theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
The programme organized by the National Human Rights Commission, was in conjunction with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) with support of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
The programme involves panel session on “Assessing the impact of critical investigative journalism in human rights protection and nation building”, the official launch of the Press Attack Tracker (PAT West Africa), and two training sessions on: “Strategic approaches and dignity-centered conduct in human rights reporting for journalists” and “Legal first aid for journalists.”
Dr. Ojukwu who was represented by the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Commission, Hilary Ogbonna, cited that through its monthly dashboard on the human rights situation in Nigeria, the Commission has continued to highlight complaints of human rights violations across the 36 states of the federation, including attacks and violations against journalists and media houses.
According to him, the Commission has over the years collaborated with critical stakeholders to ensure that the civic space remains protected and that citizens, including journalists, have their complaints documented and are assisted to seek redress from the appropriate authorities.
Further, Ojukwu maintained that journalists remain the conscience of the nation, especially at a time when truth itself is increasingly under assault due to institutional inadequacies and regulatory challenges.
He commended the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for partnering with the Commission to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.
In his welcome address, the Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Nigeria, Moritz Sprengler, stated that journalism is not just a profession but a cornerstone of democracy.
Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dili Ezughah, stated that responsible media practice is necessary for promoting national unity and safeguarding democratic ideals.
According to him, the media must avoid sensational journalism, fake news, misinformation, disinformation and divisive content capable of undermining peace and national cohesion, adding that the future of journalism must be anchored on truth, innovation, development and peace journalism.
