Nairobi — The African Media Initiative (AMI) strongly condemns the bombings of THISDAY in Nigeria. Our sympathies go out to the victims of this heinous attack.

"The attack on THISDAY is deplorable, unacceptable and has no place in modern Africa," said Amadou Mahtar Ba, CEO of AMI.

The timing of the bombing highlights the challenges faced by journalists on the African continent in ensuring its citizenry is well informed.

"A robust media is critical to the development of nations. We need to ensure journalists, media owners and operators can work without intimidation or fear of reprisals," said Mr. Ba.

Thursday May 3, 2012 marks World Press Freedom Day, which celebrates the importance of a vibrant, independent and pluralistic press across the world. It also marks the launch of AMI's Leadership and Guiding Principles for media owners and managers, a compact that calls for ethics and responsibility at the heart of the media industry.

Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman and Founder of THISDAY, also serves as the Founding Chair of the African Media Leaders Forum; AMI's flagship programme.

More information about the African Media Initiative and the African Media Leader Forum can be found at www.africanmediainitiative.org and www.africanmedialeadersforum.org, respectively.