In commemoration of this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crime against Journalists, the former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Ugo Onuoha, is expected to discuss safety of journalists as foundation for press freedom

Themed, ‘Safety of journalists: The foundation for press freedom and democracy,’ the event is organised by Media Centre for Promotion of Safety Awareness. (MICPOSA).

According to MICPOSA coordinator, Chinyere Amaechi, “this year’s commemoration focuses on the upcoming electioneering exercise in the country in 2027. It will equip journalists who will be covering the process campaign, voting, collation and result announcement with the necessary personal protective tips to arm them adequately for the unforeseen.

Sometimes, security agents may become over zealous just as some politicians and their loyalists may turn desperate to attempt to upturn the process. The journalist is often at the receiving end. Journalists should develop the mindset of safety first and environmental awareness at all time.”

The event holds on November 2, 2026 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industries Ikeja Lagos.

Recall the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed November 2 as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163.

The resolution urged member states to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013.