Kaltho’s Family Praises Tinubu
The Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF has extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for conferring posthumous national honor on late James Bagauda Kaltho, an investigative journalist who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of truth.
The honor was in recognition of 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 assignment.
A statement by the AMDF’s Press Freedom Manager, Zhiroh Jatau quotes the Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik as saying “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 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 not only kept his name but has continued to bring to the fore, the challenges African journalists face in the course of their duty.
In her reaction, Kaltho’s wife, Martha who was full of joy on the posthumous honor confered on her husband, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu saying “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.
AMDF, according to the statement, is of the strong belief that the honor will bring comfort and solace to Kaltho’s family knowing that the struggles and contributions of their father was never in vain.
