QNET, a lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, has pledged to safeguard press freedom and advance ethical journalism in Africa.
Biram Fall, regional manager of QNET sub-Saharan Africa, made this declaration at a webinar to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, organised by QNET recently.
“QNET will continue to support initiatives that aim to safeguard these freedoms by promoting ethical journalism and sponsoring forums that discuss these crucial issues,” Fall said.
Fall said the company remains steadfast and dedicated to creating an environment where accurate information thrives and is freely available.
He promised that the company would continue to champion values by seeking partnerships with media houses, community leaders, and regulatory bodies.
“Our goal is to foster a media environment that supports informed decision-making and upholds the integrity of information,” he said.
While discussing QNET’s transparency, the regional manager revealed that the company has consistently produced high-calibre products that satisfy strict international standards, some of which have been approved by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, QNET has demonstrated transparency primarily through the ‘Say No Campaign’ that educates 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. We have extended invitations to Nigerian journalists to attend our annual V Convention in Penang Malaysia to give them the true picture of the company,” he added.
He further said that QNET is planning a roundtable discussion later this year, focusing on the role of businesses in supporting press freedom and enhancing transparency.
In her presentation at the webinar, Chinenye Anuforo, a Nigerian journalist, identified difficulty in access to information and harassment as some of the challenges faced by media practitioners across sub-Saharan Africa.
She called for greater collaboration between the government, media, and citizens to uphold the existing legal framework that protects freedom of expression; strengthen the independence of regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Press Council and promote responsible journalism that is factual and balanced.
Anuforo urged her fellow journalists to continue to work together to uphold existing legal frameworks, strengthen the independence of regulatory bodies, and promote responsible journalism.
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