PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Consulate Lagos Celebrates World Press Freedom Day

Date: May 5, 2008
venue: Lagos

Mr. Gerhardson making his speech | Full size

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos co-sponsored a program with the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), to mark the 2008 World Press Freedom Day on May 5. 

Public Affairs Officer Tim Gerhardson and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Editor,  Vanguard Newspaper, addressed over 75 journalists from the major electronic and print media. 

In his opening speech before presenting his lecture on “A Responsible Press Officer” Mr. Gerhardson told the journalists that the United States Government recognizes the World Press Freedom Day because of its concern for the protection of free press being a strong pillar of democracy. 

Mr. Adefaye spoke of “Press Freedom, Access to Information and Empowerment of the People.” He condemned the rejection of the Freedom of Information Bill by the House of Representatives and called on all Nigerians, especially the NUJ, Guild of Editors and the Newspaper Proprietors to press the National Assembly to reconsider the bill because it does not only call for the rights of journalists but for the rights of all Nigerians to know about those in government.

The program provided the opportunity for the journalists to renew their commitment to press for enactment of the Freedom of Information bill.