By Micheal Ofulue, Osogbo

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Osun State Government has called on stakeholders to tackle digital attacks on journalists.

This, according to the government will guarantee  press freedom in this era of digital communication.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding both local and international statutes guaranteeing freedom of expression.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, Osun government lauded journalists and media professionals, describing them as unsung heroes of democracy.

The statement also assured journalists especially those practicing in Osun state that it will continue to do all legally possible to protect and make their operations as smooth as possible.

“It is a pleasure to join the government of states and nations in the 2022 commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, as a reaffirmation of the noble role of a free press in a democracy.

“We as a government appreciate the efforts and labours of journalists and media professionals, the unsung heroes of our democracy, who have continued to provide citizens with information about our nation, our government, our lives.

“Their contributions have been critical to the ability of citizens to hold leaders accountable, explain and analyze government policies just as the constitution requires of them.

“The freedom of the press remains an essential pillar of a democratic society. Upon this recognition, the Osun government has continued to uphold both local and international statutes guaranteeing freedom of expression, but unfortunately, the freedom of the press has continued to be attacked especially by non-state actors who are particular about circumventing the truth.

“This year’s theme, “Journalism under Digital Siege”, is very apposite to the goings-on in the media space, as it aims to highlight the multiple ways in which journalists and journalism are endangered by surveillance and digitally meditated attacks.

“The sponsors of this brand of attack have an agenda, which is inimical to public good and wellbeing. This explains why on a day like this, and indeed going forward, relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, journalists, media representatives, activists, cybersecurity managers, and legal experts, should come together to explore these issues and develop concrete solutions so that the threats posed by increased digital mediation to press freedom and privacy can be addressed.

“We seize this occasion to register our respect and sympathy to journalists who are being harassed, are in danger, and those whose lives have been lost in the cause of their professional duty.

“On our part as a responsible and responsive government, we will continue to do all that is legally possible to protect journalists and journalism in the State of the Virtuous, in the collective interest of the good people of Osun”, the statement read.