NBA President Calls for Press Freedom on Giwa's Anniversary

On October 19, 1986, veteran journalist Dele Giwa was assassinated in Lagos through a parcel-bomb attack, an event that shocked the journalism profession and raised ongoing questions about justice. On the 40th anniversary of his death, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), renewed calls for press freedom, the protection of journalists, and accountability for attacks on media professionals.

In her statement, she expressed that the passage of time should not diminish the value of human life or weaken society's commitment to safeguarding those who ask difficult questions. Badejo-Okusanya described Giwa's death as a painful loss and stressed the need for the justice system to address violence against journalists.

She highlighted the shared responsibility of lawyers and journalists to promote accountability and give a voice to the unheard. The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to defending freedom of expression and protecting journalists' dignity and safety.