By The International Press Centre, Lagos Nigeria is set to hold a media round-table to deliberate on safety and freedom of journalists from security and other government officials. Discussions are to be based on measures to safeguard press freedom and also other pertinent issues relating to the subject matter.
In a press statement signed by Lanre Arogundade, the Director of the Centre, the event will hold on Wednesday, February 15th, 2015.
He also disclosed that the discussions will be open to both members present physically and those following the events via micro blogging site, Twitter.
The deliberation is being organised by members of the Nigerian Journalists Safety Initiative (NJSI) and supported by the Open Society Foundation (OS). It is aimed at facilitating a free and safe environment for journalists and other media professionals in Nigeria.
“This edition of the media roundtable/tweet conference is taking place against the background of increasing trends by government officials in using security agents to arrest and detain journalists. It is also taking place against the background of various violent conflicts including but not limited to Boko Haram, herdsmen attacks, militia uprisings and clashes with secession agitators” Arogundade said.
He continued, “Pursuant to the above, the media round-table shall have panel and interactive discussion on the roles of media stakeholders; The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), editors, media organizations, media support groups, including the roles of rights groups and related agencies of government in ensuring the protection of the rights and safety of journalists. In this regard, the event shall have Barrister Monday Ubani, former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja Branch and Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Editor, The Nation Newspaper as lead speakers while it will be moderated by Mr. Feyi Smith, Executive Secretary, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). There will be other discussants from related stakeholders on the theme: “safeguarding press freedom and safety of journalists amidst rising conflict.”
The event shall be interactive as there would be a question and answer session involving the participants physically present as well as those following on twitter @ipcng and other social media channels under the hashtag: #safetyofjournalistsng
