by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for conferring posthumous national honors on late James Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist, who paid ultimate prize in pursuit of truth.
AMDF said it “extended its heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for conferring posthumous national honors on late Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist, who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of truth,” in a statement made Thursday in Kaduna.
“This recognition honors Kaltho’s courage, dedication, and commitment to journalism. It also highlights the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists as they exercise their constitutional assignments,” it stated.
Commenting, the Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik, said “We commend the President’s gesture, which serves as a reminder of the value of journalistic integrity and the sacrifices made by those, who dare to speak truth to power.
“As an organization that supports and advocates for press freedom, the recognition also serves as an encouragement to continue to speak for oppressed journalists and amplify call for safety of journalists in Nigeria and beyond,” AMDF stated.
AMDF had in 2019 introduced the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series to immortalize Mr. Kaltho, who disappeared between late 1996 and early 1997 because of his journalism work. “Until his disappearance, he was a courageous and fearless investigative journalist.
“The yearly lecture series, which holds on September 19th, Kaltho’s birthday, has kept his name and has continued to bring to the fore the challenges African journalists face in the course of their duty,” it noted.
In a conversation with AMDF, Kaltho’s wife, Martha, full of joy on the posthumous honor conferred on her husband, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and added, “At last, my husband has been vindicated.”
Kaltho’s daughters, Ann and Leshi, also expressed appreciation to all who have been standing with the family in their difficult moments.
According to AMDF Press Freedom Manager, Zhiroh Jatau, “AMDF hopes that this honor will bring comfort and solace to Kaltho’s family, knowing that the struggles and contributions of their father were never in vain.”