By Oluwakemi Kindness
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on journalists to maintain a balance between holding government accountable and showcasing Nigeria’s achievements, saying the country’s progress deserves equal attention alongside its challenges.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja, Kalu urged media professionals to project Nigeria’s opportunities and positive developments while remaining committed to objective and responsible journalism.
He challenged journalists to broaden the national narrative by highlighting success stories and reforms that are making a difference.
“Can we write about what makes Nigeria good? Can we project the opportunities in Nigeria? Can we tell the good stories of what this current administration is doing? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?” Kalu asked.
According to the Deputy Speaker, discussions with foreign diplomats have underscored the importance of presenting a more balanced image of Nigeria to the international community.
He stressed that while the media has a duty to expose shortcomings, it should also celebrate milestones that inspire confidence and national pride.
“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to see what we have made right? It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling,” he said.
Describing parliamentary correspondents as indispensable partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Kalu said their reports have enhanced public understanding of the legislature’s core functions of lawmaking, oversight and representation.
He urged journalists to use the influence of the media to foster unity, patriotism and national cohesion.
“What you write unites. The power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. Let us continue writing for the unification, consolidation and national cohesion of Nigeria,” he said.
Kalu also commended members of the National Assembly Press Corps for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their work has strengthened public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi Jr., praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that guarantees journalists unrestricted access to parliamentary activities.
Rotimi charged members of the Press Corps to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and professionalism, describing a credible media and an effective legislature as indispensable pillars of democracy.
In his acceptance speech, re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged continued collaboration with the House leadership while preserving the ethics, independence and integrity of the journalism profession.
Onadiran also lauded the House leadership for its support, revealing that Rotimi recently introduced a health insurance scheme for all accredited members of the Press Corps—the first such initiative in the history of the corps.
The newly inaugurated executive has Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa as Vice Chairman, Nicholas Kalu as Secretary, Saheed Badmus as Financial Secretary, Adah Onah as Treasurer, Gift Chapi-Odekina as Assistant Secretary, Nsikak Evans Udoukpong as Welfare Secretary and Tope Balogun as Welfare Officer.
