REPORTER: ROSEMARY ELEE
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, some media experts in Anambra State have stressed the need for proper remuneration for journalists in the country.
According to them, if journalists were properly remunerated, it would entrench professionalism and discourage some unethical practices journalists engage in to make ends meet.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, a veteran journalist in Anambra State, Mr Tony Okafor regretted that a high number of journalists operating in the country today are not on the payroll of the media organisations they represent.
He noted that such journalists are left to fend for themselves thereby compelling them to engage in practices alien to journalism a situation that has continued to degrade the standard of the profession.
Mr Okafor underscored the importance of the media to National development especially by providing transparent market information that encourages investment thereby promoting economic stability.
Also speaking, the Editor in Chief of FIDES Newspaper Awka, Anambra State, Mr Jude Atupuluazi enjoined media executives to engage the number of journalists they can adequately provide for instead of flooding the space with people they cannot pay adequately.
Mr Atupuluazi observed that Journalism was a noble profession which has continued to play a pivotal role in the development of any nation especially by sharing timely information which shapes decisions for overall development of society.
In his contribution, the Chairman Nigeria Union Of Journalists Anambra State Council , Doctor Emeka Odogwu enjoined journalists to imbibe the ethics of the profession and shun unprofessional practices which he noted could endanger their lives and taint the image of the profession.
The NUJ Chairman also emphasized the need to ensure that journalists have access to reliable information which would entrench accountability and trust.
According to him, most officials use beaurecratic bottlenecks to frustrate journalists seeking information, a situation he noted was not helping the nation’s democratic journey.
The theme for the 2026 World Press Freedom Day is,”shaping a future at peace’.
Press Freedom Day is celebrated on the 3rd of May annually to highlight the vital role of journalism in protecting democratic values and fostering informed societies.
