By Justina Auta
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has described the posthumous national honour conferred on late journalist James Bagauda Kaltho by President Bola Tinubu as a powerful reminder of the value of journalistic integrity.
AMDF Press Freedom Manager, Mrs Zhiroh Jatau said this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja
Jatau further noted that it also highlighted the sacrifices made by journalists who dare to speak truth to power.
AMDF Executive Director, Sekyen Dadik, noted that the honour underscored the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists as they carry out their constitutional duties.
“We commend the President’s gesture, which serves as a reminder of the value of journalistic integrity and the sacrifices made by those who speak truth to power.
“As an organisation that supports and advocates for press freedom, the recognition also inspires us to continue amplifying calls for the safety of journalists in Nigeria and beyond,” Dadik said.
According to him, the honour further motivates ongoing advocacy efforts to protect and support journalists, especially those facing challenges in the line of duty.
Reacting to the conferment of the national honour, Kaltho’s wife, Martha, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, saying: “At last, my husband has been vindicated.”
Kaltho’s daughters, Ann and Leshi, also expressed gratitude to all those who have stood by the family through difficult times.
The AMDF, in 2019, introduced the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series to immortalise Mr Kaltho, who disappeared between late 1996 and early 1997 due to his investigative journalism.
Until his disappearance, Kaltho was known as a courageous and fearless journalist.
The annual lecture, held every Sept. 19, his birthday, continues to highlight the challenges African journalists face in the course of their work.(NAN)
