The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Isaac Butswat, on Wednesday, May 2, 2023, received a role model award in recognition of his leadership quality and humanitarian services.
The DVC received this award at an event organised by Greenland News Magazine in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Chapter, to commemorate International Press Freedom Day, 2023.
Butswat, who was also the keynote speaker, stated that freedom of expression is an essential human right as it grows individuals, advances knowledge, and maintains peace in a democratic society.
He noted that this year's theme: "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights," was a call to recentre press freedom and an opportunity to focus on freedom of expression within the overall human rights agenda.
According to the DVC, "World Press Freedom Day started about 30 years ago (i.e., in 1993) when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day, and since then, there has been progression in free press and freedom of expression, as well as an increase in the proliferation of independent media, as well as the rise of digital technologies enabling and advancing the free flow of information, especially online."
Butswat said that the importance of freedom of expression has been seen recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, electoral crises, and environmental issues.
He added that despite continuous attempts to silence the media, journalists and media outfits will continue to do their work for the sake of humanity and orderliness in society.
Speaking earlier in her welcome address, the Editor-in-Chief of Greenland News Magazine, Mrs. Peace Ofeoshi, said "World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics."
Butswat received the award alongside some dignitaries like the Director-General/CEO of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Amb. Dr. Hajara Ibrahim Salim, ably represented by Amb. Prof. David Morondiya Aiye; and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, amongst others.
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