WPF: Press freedom must empower citizens to act, says Alaka
…CISLAC urges media independence, stronger protection for journalists Press freedom must go beyond the newsroom to empower citizens to demand accountability and influence governance, the Executive Director of the Wole
…CISLAC urges media independence, stronger protection for journalists
Press freedom must go beyond the newsroom to empower citizens to demand accountability and influence governance, the Executive Director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka, said on Monday.
She spoke at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day event organised by The Nation Journalism Foundation, where media leaders, academics and security officials examined the role of journalism in advancing human rights, development and national security.
Alaka said the true measure of press freedom lies in its impact on society.
“Press freedom is not complete when a story is published. It is only complete when that information enables a citizen to act,” she said.
She warned that attacks on journalists, shrinking civic space and economic pressure on media organisations were weakening the watchdog role of the press at a critical time for Nigeria’s democracy.
The Lagos State Government, in an address delivered on behalf of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, by the Director of Strategy Centre, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and engagement with the media.
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Omotosho said a free press remains a pillar of democracy, stressing that it must operate with professionalism, fairness and accuracy.
He noted that as the country approaches another election cycle, the media's role in shaping public discourse becomes even more critical, urging journalists to uphold ethical standards and the national interest.
The keynote set the tone for a panel session moderated by Precious Igbonwelundu, Assistant News Editor and Head of the Security Desk at The Nation.
Panellists included Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network; Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisika of the University of Lagos; Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations; and Deputy News Editor Joseph Jibueze.
Otufodunrin spoke on the right to information, stressing that while press freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, it is not absolute and must be exercised with responsibility.
He said access to information is central to human rights and development, adding that journalists must uphold ethical standards even as they hold power to account.
Jibueze focused on enforcing the Freedom of Information Act, describing compliance as a major challenge.
He said many public institutions delay or refuse to respond to requests, limiting transparency and accountability.
According to him, journalists must continue to push the boundaries of the law through persistence, advocacy and legal action where necessary.
Professor Ogwezzy-Ndisika examined the internal dynamics shaping the media, particularly the influence of ownership on editorial direction.
She warned that ownership interests can compromise objectivity, especially during political seasons, turning sections of the media into tools for elite interests rather than platforms for accountability.
She also noted that while digital platforms have expanded citizen participation in governance, they have contributed to misinformation and weakened public trust.
Ogwezzy-Ndisika added that shrinking civic space and safety concerns continue to discourage investigative reporting and limit the media’s effectiveness.
The police representative spoke on the need for responsible conflict reporting, warning that inaccurate or sensational reports could inflame tensions and trigger violence.
He advised journalists to avoid unverified figures, exaggerated claims, and narratives that could incite ethnic or political conflict, especially during elections.
"Responsible reporting would reduce friction between the media and security agencies and contribute to national stability," the police commissioner said.
Panelists agreed that press freedom must be balanced with responsibility, particularly in a fragile information environment.
The event attracted participation from across the media and academic space, including the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Foundation for Investigative Journalism, TheCable, The Guardian, Vanguard Newspapers, University of Lagos Press Club, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan, and Oshodi Senior High School Press Club.
There was a consensus that press freedom remains a public good that must be protected through ethical journalism, collaboration and institutional support.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, in a statement marking the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, urged stronger media independence and comprehensive protection for journalists.
The organisation emphasised that, beyond physical safety, there is a need to address welfare concerns, job security, and the consistent enforcement of access-to-information laws to strengthen democratic accountability.
“Journalists remain central to democratic governance, yet many operate under unsafe conditions, poor welfare and limited institutional support. There is an urgent need to guarantee their protection, ensure their independence, and fully enforce access to information laws so the media can effectively serve the public interest.”
