The Africa Media Development Foundation has commended President Bola Tinubu for conferring a posthumous national honour on the late journalist James Bagauda Kaltho.

In a statement on Friday in Abuja, AMDF described the recognition as a powerful reminder of the value of journalistic integrity. It 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,” Mr 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, the journalist’s wife, Ms Martha Kaltho, said, “At last, my husband has been vindicated.”

His daughters, Mses Ann and Leshi, also expressed gratitude to all those who have stood by the family through difficult times.

In 2019, AMDF 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 enforced disappearance and eventual death, Mr Kaltho was known as a courageous journalist.

The annual lecture, held every September 19, his birthday, continues to highlight the challenges African journalists face in the course of their work.

(NAN)