Project Nigeria Positively, Criticise Government Fairly – Kalu Urges Journalists 

…Says Nigerians believe in democracy because of media reports

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged Nigerian journalists to embrace balanced reporting by highlighting the country’s opportunities and achievements while holding the government accountable for its shortcomings.

Kalu made the call on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja.

He challenged journalists to tell more positive stories about Nigeria, noting that the country’s strengths and progress often receive less attention than its challenges.

“I’ve travelled around recently and had conversations about Nigeria outside our country. Two days ago, I was with European Union ambassadors, and one of the questions they raised was: Nigeria is so blessed, with so many opportunities, why are the analyses not projecting our strengths more than our weaknesses?” he said.

“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 only be about where the government is not doing well.”

The Deputy Speaker stressed that balanced journalism should also showcase efforts being made to address national challenges.

According to him, the media has a crucial role in promoting national unity and strengthening democracy through responsible reporting.

“Your pens are not just ordinary pens. What you write unites, and it can also divide. So, let us continue writing for national cohesion, patriotism and the consolidation of Nigeria,” he said.

Kalu also commended members of the parliamentary press corps for their professionalism and sacrifices in ensuring that Nigerians have access to credible information about the activities of the National Assembly.

He said public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy has been strengthened largely by the media’s reportage of legislative activities.

“The confidence people have in our democracy is because of what you have written. Because you are projecting the work we are doing here, many Nigerians are beginning to believe in our democracy,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for running an open and accessible administration that has enabled journalists to carry out their constitutional duties professionally.

He described the parliamentary press as a vital partner in deepening democracy by bringing legislative activities closer to the Nigerian people.

Rotimi urged the newly inaugurated executive to continue to uphold the highest standards of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.

In his inaugural speech, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Comrade Gboyega Onadiran, pledged to sustain cordial relations with the House leadership while preserving the ethics and integrity of the journalism profession.

He said the corps would continue to work towards strengthening the legislature and promoting Nigeria’s democracy through professional reporting.

Onadiran also commended the House leadership for its support, particularly the introduction of a health insurance scheme for members of the press corps by Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., describing it as unprecedented in the history of the corps.

The newly inaugurated executive comprises 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.