President Umaru Yar'adua of Nigeria who made the call while declaring the conference opened said various forms of anti media laws that exist in some parts of the continent have become an aberration and should not be allowed to exist in any democracy.

The theme of the conference being attended by delegates from many African countries is “Building a Strong and United Voice for African Journalists”.

Pledging that his government will encourage freedom of expression, Yar'adua advised that African countries to have a rethink by completely imbibing the spirit and tenets of democracy which basic rudiments include the freedom of expression, association and the right to freely choose.

"Extra-judicial murders of media professionals, arbitrary arrests and persecutions must be stopped completely, if perpetrators of such violations desire to genuinely promote democracy in their countries" Yar'Adua who was represented by his Minister of Information and Communication, John Odey stated.
In his address, President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), M Jim Boumelha noted that there was need to ensure the freedom of the press to "confront the social and political challenges in an age of anxiety".

“But we are not helped in our task by governments who are more intrusive in the affairs of media. In recent years, there have been a number of serious attacks on media independence, to manipulate and spin the media message, and pressure to reveal sources of information.

“Here in Africa, not a day passes by without the IFJ having to make representation on behalf of journalists who mare jailed, or threatened, or harassed. A few days ago, we called on the government of Senegal to stop targeting journalists after the fourth arrest of a reporter or editor in the last month for allegedly offending the President or endangering national security" the IFJ President stated.

The president of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Ndagene Akwu also lamented the hazards journalists in the continent were exposed to and advocated for adequate protection to guarantee the safety and welfare of journalists.

According to him, there was need for better working relationship between journalists and the government for the sustenance of democracy .

Participants at the conference include those from African countries, delegates from the IFJ, Brussels and about members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

Keywords:  nigeria media society