Goodluck Jonathan Foundation says Africa remains the world’s most dangerous continent for journalists in 2021.
It has called on governments in Africa to ensure press freedom in their countries and urged practitioners to use information as a tool for national development.
The foundation emphasised that the continent will be better when information is used for the public good and not as weapons of destruction and disintegration.
In a statement by its spokesman, Wealth Ominabo, said, “The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) joins the rest of the world to celebrate journalists and media professionals on this year’s world press freedom day.
“We renew our call for press freedom, access to information, and the respect of the rights of Journalists in Africa.”
It added, “Our continent recorded unsavoury reports of deaths of Journalists, violations of their rights, and media censorship by state actors.
“According to the 2021 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters without Borders, there is a 13 per cent deterioration in the abuse of rights and privileges of journalists in Africa in the last one year.
“This is one of the reasons Africa remains the world’s most dangerous continent for Journalists in 2021. Journalists and other media professionals are partners in progress in our quest for peace and sustainable development.”
Regarding journalists as patriots, the foundation stated that journalists deserved “our support, encouragement and respect,” demanding they are treated with dignity and love.
The statement added, “We urge all stakeholders to reflect on the theme of this year’s celebration.
“Information is a public good, which serves as a call to action on the shared responsibilities between citizens and government to use the information to advance justice, peace, security, and development.
“Our nations will be better when information is used for the public good and not as weapons of destruction and disintegration.”
