The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring a posthumous national honour on the late investigative journalist, James Bagauda Kaltho, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the 1990s while pursuing the truth.
In a statement signed by Zhiroh Jatau, AMDF’s Press Freedom Manager, the foundation described the honour as a long-overdue vindication of Kaltho’s courage and dedication to press freedom.
“This recognition honours Kaltho’s sacrifice and serves as a powerful reminder of the value of journalistic integrity,” said AMDF’s Executive Director, Sekyen Dadik. “We commend President Tinubu’s gesture, which also underscores the urgent need to protect journalists across Nigeria and beyond.”
Kaltho, known for his fearless investigative reporting, vanished between late 1996 and early 1997 during the repressive military regime, with many believing he was targeted for his work. His disappearance has remained one of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s press history.
To immortalize the fallen journalist, AMDF in 2019 introduced the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series, held every September 19th, his birthday. The annual event brings together journalists, activists, and policy stakeholders to spotlight the ongoing challenges faced by African journalists.
“The lecture series ensures that Kaltho’s name continues to resonate in conversations about press freedom and journalist safety,” AMDF said.
The honour has brought emotional relief to the late journalist’s family. Martha Kaltho, his widow, described the recognition as a vindication of her husband’s legacy.
“At last, my husband has been vindicated,” she said in a conversation with AMDF.
His daughters, Ann and Leshi, also expressed gratitude to everyone who has stood by the family through decades of uncertainty and pain.
AMDF emphasized that while the honour is commendable, it should serve as a stepping stone for broader reforms aimed at protecting journalists from harassment, enforced disappearances, and violence.
“We remain committed to amplifying the voices of oppressed journalists and pushing for a safer media environment,” Sekyen Dadik affirmed.
The Foundation expressed hope that the posthumous recognition will bring comfort to the Kaltho family and inspire a new generation of journalists to uphold the fearless ideals he lived—and likely died—for.
