The Federal Government, governors, and other stakeholders have called for a free and independent media to strengthen democracy and promote accountability.

The call was made in commemoration of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day.

The theme for this year’s event is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3, to show the importance of free speech and journalism amid today’s global challenges.

In his address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to upholding press freedom in the face of growing challenges posed by AI.

Idris acknowledged the essential role of the media in a digital age and called for unity among government, journalists, and civil society to defend the principles of free expression.

He stated that the Tinubu administration considered press freedom a fundamental pillar of democracy.

“A free and responsible media is the lifeblood of any democratic society — it gives citizens the power to express themselves freely and hold leaders accountable. This framework will ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of ethics, press freedom, or national security,” he said.

Celebrating journalists, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said, “A free and independent press fosters democracy, accountability, and societal progress.”

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the government valued the partnership with the media in the collective pursuit of a better Edo State.

Okpebholo said he recognised the vital role the press played in amplifying the voices of the people, scrutinising government policies, and contributing to constructive dialogues.

“On this important World Press Freedom Day, the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, joins the global community in recognising and celebrating the vital role of a free and independent press in fostering democracy, accountability, and societal progress.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo firmly believes that a vibrant and unfettered media is a cornerstone of a healthy and informed society.

“Journalists, as the watchdogs of truth and the voice of the voiceless, play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable on critical issues, and empowering citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions,” the statement read.

Similarly, Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, felicitated with journalists in Gombe State and beyond on the 2025 World Press Freedom Day.

In a message to mark the occasion, signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya lauded media professionals for their commitment to truth, transparency, and public enlightenment.

He described them as indispensable partners in the democratic process.

The governor stressed that in the face of rapid technological advances, the role of the media as watchdogs of society and guardians of public interest remained as crucial as ever.

While acknowledging the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and other digital tools, he cautioned against the attendant risks, particularly misinformation, fake news, and threats to the safety of journalists.

Also, the Safety and Protection of Journalists Hub of the International Press Centre, Lagos, called on stakeholders to defend the right to truthful information.

In a statement, the IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, noted, “Artificial Intelligence has brought unprecedented efficiencies to newsrooms, from automated fact-checking to data-driven investigative reporting.

“In Nigeria, media outlets leverage Artificial Intelligence to track corruption and amplify underreported stories, demonstrating its potential as a tool for accountability.”