AMDF Commends President Tinubu for Posthumous National Honors for James Bagauda Kaltho
By:Femi Mustapha
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) extends its heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for conferring posthumous national honors on the late Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of truth.
This recognition honors Kaltho’s courage, dedication, and commitment to journalism. It also emphasizes the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists as they fulfill their constitutional duties.
Sekyen Dadik, the Executive Director of AMDF, commented, “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, this recognition encourages us to continue advocating for oppressed journalists and amplifying the call for their safety in Nigeria and beyond.”
In 2019, AMDF introduced the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series to immortalize Mr. Kaltho, who disappeared between late 1996 and early 1997 due to his journalism work. Until his disappearance, he was a courageous and fearless investigative journalist. The yearly lecture series, held on September 19th, Kaltho’s birthday, has kept his name alive and continues to highlight the challenges that African journalists face in their work.
In a conversation with AMDF, Kaltho’s wife, Martha, expressed her joy at the posthumous honor conferred on her husband and thanked President Tinubu, stating, “At last, my husband has been vindicated.” Kaltho’s daughters, Ann and Leshi, also expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported the family during their difficult times.
AMDF hopes that this honor will bring comfort and solace to Kaltho’s family, reassuring them that their father’s struggles and contributions were never in vain.
