WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY: NAWOJ ANAMBRA URGES FACT-CHECKING, STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION 

‎By Chizoba Njaka
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‎On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, has called for the protection of press freedom and heightened vigilance against misinformation, amid a global decline in media independence.
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‎The commemoration underscores the fundamental role of press freedom and independent journalism in advancing peace, economic recovery, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights. According to UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, press freedom has recorded its steepest decline since 2012, a deterioration comparable to periods of instability during the World Wars and the Cold War. The report identifies key challenges, including information manipulation driven by artificial intelligence, which erodes public trust and security; economic pressures threatening independent media; and a rise of over 60% in self-censorship due to harassment, judicial intimidation, and financial constraints.
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‎Speaking during an online interview, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, reiterated the role of the press as the watchdog of society. “World Press Freedom Day is devoted to fostering awareness of the imperative of press freedom,” she stated.
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‎“The press must be permitted to operate freely and effectively, and must not be subjected to censorship. As the watchdog of society, it is the responsibility of the press to set the agenda, shape public discourse, and hold those in authority accountable. Journalists must not be hindered by restrictions imposed by governments or influential individuals. The press must be allowed to carry out its functions in strict adherence to the ethics of the profession.”
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‎Comrade Ifejika further charged media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and fact-checking amid the proliferation of fake news. “As we mark World Press Freedom Day, I urge fellow journalists to remain vigilant against misinformation. We must not be swayed by the pressure of breaking news. We have a responsibility to verify our facts, as we remain the primary source of information, education, and entertainment. Factual and accurate reporting is the core duty of every journalist.”
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‎She emphasised the imperative of cross-verification prior to publication. “In this era of widespread disinformation, we must be watchful. We must ensure our sources, our reports, and our stories are accurate. Before going to press, we must confirm that what we disseminate is factual.”
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‎Comrade Ifejika extended her felicitations to journalists and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding genuine press freedom.
‎The event aligns with global initiatives to foster collaboration among journalism, technology including artificial intelligence and human rights advocates in strengthening information ecosystems.
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‎Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State