Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the State Ministry of Information and Communications has today celebrated the 2013 World Press Freedom Day with a symposium at the Conference Hall of the State Ministry of Justice by 10am.
A statement signed by the Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Opaka Dokubo and Chairman of the organizing committee, Mr. Ignatius Chukwu, indicated that the former National President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Mr. Bobo Sofiri-Brown will deliver the lead Paper on the main theme of the celebration “safe To Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in all Media”.
The release added that the event, which would be chaired by Chief Dr. A.A. Amakiri, will also have the State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari as Special Guest of Honour while the NUJ Vice President for Zone F, Mr. Uzaka Seiyefa would be the Chief Host.
According to the statement, a senior Lecturer in the Mass Communication Department, Rivers State University of Science and technology, Dr. Barigbon Nsereka and Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Research, Documentation and Social Media, Dr. John Idumanga will present papers on the sub-themes.
The statement noted that the event would serve as a veritable platform for Journalists and media workers to brainstorm and reflect on the journey so far, challenges and prospects of the Journalism Profession in an emerging democratic Nigeria while critically reappraising the place of journalists in a nation enmeshed in turbulent security and political uncertainties.
The organizers therefore, appealed to Journalists, media workers and all stakeholders to avail themselves of the window offered by the special celebration to network, share ideas and knowledge as well as learn new skills and strategies in efforts to discharge their professional duties in line with international best practices.
