From Ajiri Daniels, Abuja
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark 2024 Press Freedom Day, leading lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, QNET, has reiterated its commitment to transparency and press freedom, which it views as an essential component of its operations.
Biram Fall, the regional manager for QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, said that the company thrives on the principles of transparency and public access to accurate information. He also pointed out that this principle enhances trust and strengthens relationships, and it is crucial for facilitating the free flow of information, which is essential for a vibrant press.
Fall made these submissions on Tuesday, at a webinar to commemorate the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.
The event organised by QNET sought to provide an overview of Press Freedom Day and its importance within the media landscape in Nigeria while highlighting QNET’s commitment towards fostering effective communication with its stakeholders.
While noting that the company has presence in over 25 countries, Fall noted that QNET’s direct selling model has provided financial independence to millions, empowering them to transform their lives while pursuing personal aspirations
He said: “We commit to continuous delivery of high-quality products that meet rigorous global standards, with several certified by Nigeria’s NAFDAC.
“QNET has demonstrated transparency primarily through our Say No Campaign to educate communities about the dangers of fraudulent job offers that lead to human trafficking. The initiative involved radio commercials in English, Pidgin and Hausa, mounting billboards, distributing flyers and active engagement with key government stakeholders. Through this effort, we forged a partnership with LASCOPA on World Consumer Rights Day.
“Furthermore, we have extended invitations to Nigerian journalists to attend our annual V Convention in Penang Malaysia to give them a true picture of the company.
“QNET has also taken significant measures to dispel misinformation about the company, its business model, and the direct-selling industry in general across the Sub-Saharan Africa region. This includes the establishment of the Direct Selling Disinformation Centre.”
Fall further acknowledged that there were many challenges to maintaining press freedom, especially in emerging markets.
He, however, explained that QNET supports initiatives that seek to safeguard press freedoms by promoting ethical journalism and sponsoring forums that discuss challenging subjects and sensitive issues to members of the public.
The guest speaker for the webinar, Mrs. Chinenye Anuforo, a Journalist with a national newspaper who spoke earlier, underlined the necessity for media stakeholders and the government to collaborate in order to protect the principle of press freedom and urged journalists to use their freedom with the utmost caution.
While dissecting the impediments to media freedom and freedom of expression, Mrs Anuforo maintained that journalists and media practitioners must begin to hold relevant stakeholders accountable to guarantee media independence.
She decried the seeming gagging of the media in some parts of the world, adding that it was important that journalists speak truth to power and demand media freedom.
“Press freedom is under threat in many parts of the world. Journalists face intimidation, harassment, and even violence simply for doing their jobs.
“A free press isn’t just about headlines in newspapers or broadcasts on television. It’s the lifeblood of a healthy society, the vigilant eye that holds power to account, the platform where ideas can be exchanged freely, and the chorus of voices that informs an engaged citizenry.
“A free press exposes wrongdoing, sheds light on injustice, and gives voice to the voiceless. It allows us to challenge the status quo, debate important issues, and hold our leaders accountable for their actions,” Mrs Anuforo enthused.
Anuforo, however, urged governments and media stakeholders to work towards ensuring an enabling environment that promotes press freedom and strengthens democracy in the country.
She said, “This journey of press freedom is ongoing. We must all – the government, media, and citizens – work together to uphold the existing legal framework that protects freedom of expression, strengthen the independence of regulatory bodies like the NPC, and promote responsible journalism that is factual and balanced.
“By fostering this collaborative spirit, we can ensure that Nigeria’s press continues to be a beacon of truth and a catalyst for positive change.”