AMDF Hails President Tinubu for Honouring Late Journalist Bagauda Kaltho

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bestowing a posthumous national honour on the late James Bagauda Kaltho, a fearless investigative journalist who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the late 1990s.

In a statement released on Thursday, AMDF described the gesture as a significant step toward recognizing the sacrifices made by journalists in their pursuit of truth and accountability.

Kaltho, who went missing between late 1996 and early 1997 during the military regime, was widely believed to have been targeted for his courageous reporting. Until his disappearance, he was known for his investigative work and bold stance against oppression.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik, in a statement signed by Zhiroh Jatau, AMDF Press Freedom Manager, said the national honour reflects a broader appreciation of journalistic integrity.

“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. 

“This recognition also encourages us to continue advocating for the safety and protection of journalists in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.

To keep Kaltho’s legacy alive, AMDF in 2019 launched the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series, an annual event held every September 19th which was Kaltho’s birthday. The lecture series serves as a platform to highlight the challenges facing African journalists and promote press freedom.

Reacting to the honour, Kaltho’s wife, Martha, expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu.

“At last, my husband has been vindicated,” she said emotionally, reflecting on the years of uncertainty surrounding her husband’s fate.

Kaltho’s daughters, Ann and Leshi, also conveyed appreciation to those who have supported the family through their prolonged period of grief.

AMDF said it hopes the national recognition brings comfort to the family and reaffirms the importance of a free and protected press in Nigeria.

“This honour shows that the struggles and contributions of Bagauda Kaltho were not in vain,” the statement added.