Online Editors advocate on press freedom, rights, safety of journalists 

The Association of Corporate Online Editors has emphasised the need for press freedom in the country.

The acting President of ACOE, Martin Odiete, and acting Secretary, Omosola Akingboye, stated this in a joint statement.

The statement was to mark the World Press Freedom Day on May 3 in Abuja.

Odiete and Akingboye said that journalism plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental agendas, serving as a catalyst for change, a watchdog for accountability, and a voice for the voiceless.

They called on the government to commit to the protection of rights, safety, and security of journalists across the country.

The statement said: “Online Editors (ACOE) emphasised on the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work.

“As environmental defenders, journalists often confront threats, harassment, and violence for their courageous efforts to expose societal crimes and protect the natural world.” 

Speaking of this year’s theme: “A Press For the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” the body pointed out that through investigative reporting, insightful analysis, and compelling storytelling, journalists shed light on the pressing issues of environmental crisis facing the nation and inspire mass action towards positive change.

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The statement added: “ACOE, therefore, appeals to the government to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of a free and independent press, for effective climate journalism which is indispensable to promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice, and critical to communicating the threat posed by the climate crisis and making informed decisions to be more responsible.

“As a professional body of news editors who publish online newspapers in Nigeria, ACOE, in line with its mission to strengthen ethical journalism as a prerequisite tool for online media practitioners; to uphold tenets of the profession, promote corporate values and the welfare of its members, and to maintain associations’ set standard in line with global best practices.”