The Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has enjoined governments at all levels and media proprietors to prioritise the safety and welfare of journalists in their organisations.
Alli who represents Oyo South Senatorial District on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC made the call while felicitating with media practitioners on the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
The lawmaker in the statement made available to journalists on Friday, advocated better welfare and safety of journalists nationwide.
In a statement made available to DAILY POST through his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, Alli acknowledged the pivotal role journalists play in upholding democracy and fostering transparency.
The lawmaker, however, expressed deep concern for the safety of journalists in the line of duty, urging both the Nigerian populace and the government to prioritise the protection of journalists.
He called for an environment where journalists would work freely without fear of intimidation or harm, saying such was essential for the preservation of press freedom.
Alli also appealed to media proprietors to prioritise the welfare of journalists by ensuring better remuneration and working conditions.
“I advocate better welfare and safety of journalists nationwide as they celebrate 2024 World Press Freedom Day. I acknowledged the pivotal role journalists play in upholding democracy and fostering transparency.
“I express deep concern for the safety of journalists in the line of duty, I urged both the Nigerian populace and the government to prioritise the protection of journalists.
“I appeal to media proprietors to prioritise the welfare of journalists by ensuring better remuneration and working conditions”.