Deputy Speaker Wants Nigerian Media to Highlight Country’s Strengths

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged Nigerian journalists to report fairly. He wants them to show Nigeria’s progress and opportunities while still holding the government accountable.

Kalu spoke on Thursday during the inauguration of the new executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja. He said journalism should not only focus on the government’s failures. It should also show the achievements that can enhance Nigeria’s image at home and abroad.

He mentioned that talks with foreign partners revealed worries that Nigeria’s strengths and investment chances are often hidden by negative stories.

“I recently held discussions outside Nigeria, including with ambassadors of the European Union, and one of the issues they raised was why reports about Nigeria tend to emphasise our weaknesses rather than the many opportunities the country offers,” he said.

The deputy speaker said journalists should share stories that show both the country’s problems and the efforts to solve them.

“Can we write about what makes Nigeria good? Can we project the opportunities in Nigeria? Can we tell the good stories of what this administration is doing? Journalism should not be only about where government is failing. It should also inform people about what is working and the steps being taken to correct what is not,” he said.

Kalu called this balanced journalism. He believes it will help citizens understand national development better while keeping the media’s watchdog role alive.

He also promised to support the parliamentary press. He has always worked closely with journalists covering the National Assembly and will keep doing so.

The deputy speaker said the legislature is the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy. He encouraged the press corps to help the public understand the institution by reporting its responsibilities in detail.

He said journalists should highlight legislative oversight, lawmaking, representation, public hearings and debates. This will help Nigerians appreciate what parliament does.

“The parliament may not always be able to tell its own story, but you remain our voices. Your reports shape public understanding of what we do and have the power either to unite or divide the nation,” he said.

Kalu asked journalists to use their platforms to promote national unity, patriotism and professionalism. He praised the House Press Corps for their hard work in making parliamentary proceedings available to Nigerians at home and abroad.

He said credible parliamentary reporting is key to building public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

“If you undermine the institution, people may lose confidence in democracy. But by reporting our work fairly, many Nigerians have continued to believe in the democratic system,” he said. He added that the House is committed to protecting press freedom.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for what he called an open-door leadership style. This style allows journalists to report on parliamentary activities without restrictions.

Rotimi said the parliamentary press has an important role in connecting legislative activities with citizens. He urged press corps members to keep upholding accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.

“A strong legislature and a credible press are mutually reinforcing pillars of every healthy democracy,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, promised to work closely with the House leadership. He will uphold the ethics, independence and integrity of journalism. Onadiran, who was elected unopposed on Friday, June 5, said the corps will continue to provide accurate, balanced and responsible coverage of legislative activities.

He thanked the House leadership for supporting the parliamentary press. He also recognized Rotimi for introducing a health insurance scheme for accredited members of the House Press Corps. He called this initiative a first in the history of the corps and a big milestone for journalists covering the National Assembly.

The newly inaugurated executive includes Onadiran as chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary), Adah Onah (Treasurer), Gift Chapi-Odekina (Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Evans (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer).