Deserving journalists, corporate organisations and media owners will be celebrated at the 2018 Press Freedom Day by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
The move is to motivate journalists, promote press freedom, good governance and democracy in Nigeria through the recognition of journalists who have discharged their duties with passion and courage.
To this effect, the NUJ, according to a statement issued by its National Secretary Mr Shuaibu Leman, called for nominations.
The statement reads in part: “Many journalists have faced threats, harassment, physical injury, imprisonment, death in the course of their assignments. They need to be recognised and celebrated.
“The awards are in four categories and will be given to reporters, publishers, editors, photo journalists, cartoonists in newspaper houses, TV and radio stations, online and social media who have faced harassment, threat, physical injury, imprisonment, death, or shown extraordinary courage in their line of duties.
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“These categories of nominees will be given Defender of Freedom Awards.
“There will also be seasoned media practitioners and media owners award to those who have shown extraordinary resilience and brilliance, and/or have provided media platforms for journalists to practise their craft and have supported press freedom.”
Leman added that political and public office holders considered to be media-friendly would be honoured.
He said those who had supported press freedom would be honoured too.
Senator Shehu Sani is expected to deliver the awards lecture on Press Freedom, Democracy and Nation Building in Nigeria.