Nigerian Guild of Editors celebrates World News Day, pledging to defend press freedom, promote fact-based journalism, and resist media repression

Nigerian Guild of Editors has joined the international community in marking World News Day, a global event dedicated to celebrating fact-based journalism.

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In a statement on Sunday, NGE President Eze Anaba reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to defending press freedom and upholding strong editorial standards.

“We salute journalists in Nigeria and around the world who work tirelessly to bring the truth,” he said. “We remain committed to promoting quality journalism and protecting journalists’ right to work freely.”

The Guild acknowledged the numerous challenges facing journalism in Nigeria, particularly attempts to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.

It pledged to continue safeguarding journalists’ rights, resisting intimidation, and promoting high ethical standards.

The NGE also urged media practitioners to avoid fake news, misinformation, and propaganda, instead prioritising accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and fact-based reporting.

Calling on government authorities, the Guild demanded an end to the misuse of repressive laws such as the Cybercrime Act to harass journalists.

It further stressed the need for compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, in line with the UN’s Universal Day for Access to Information.

The Guild encouraged Nigerians to value truth and journalism, warning that silencing the press threatens both democracy and freedom of expression.

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“Fact-based reporting is the foundation of a healthy democracy,” it stated, adding that citizens must support journalists in their pursuit of truth.