Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on Nigerian journalists to adopt balanced reporting by not only holding leaders accountable but also giving visibility to the country’s progress and achievements.
Kalu made the appeal on Thursday at the National Assembly during the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps. He said the media remains a powerful force in shaping public opinion and strengthening democratic values in the country.
According to him, journalism should present a fair picture of national life by drawing attention to areas that need improvement while also reporting efforts, milestones and opportunities that reflect the country’s growth. He noted that balanced reporting is essential in helping citizens see both the challenges facing the nation and the steps being taken to address them.
The Deputy Speaker described parliamentary correspondents as key players in the democratic process, saying their work helps Nigerians better understand the responsibilities of the legislature, including lawmaking, oversight and representation. He added that responsible journalism has the power to build national unity, encourage patriotism and deepen public trust in democratic institutions.
Kalu also praised members of the House Press Corps for what he described as their professionalism and dedication to covering legislative activities. He said their consistent reporting has contributed to greater public awareness of the work of the National Assembly.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, commended the leadership of the House for sustaining access for journalists to legislative proceedings. He described the parliamentary press as an important partner in the effort to deepen democracy and urged media practitioners to remain committed to accuracy, fairness and professionalism.
In his inaugural remarks, the re elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Comrade Gboyega Onadiran, promised to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership while preserving the independence and professional standards of the parliamentary press.
He also thanked the leadership of the House for its support, particularly the introduction of a health insurance scheme for members of the Press Corps.
The newly inaugurated executive includes Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa as Vice Chairman, Nicholas Kalu as Secretary, Gift Chapi Odekina as Assistant Secretary, Saheed Badmus as Financial Secretary, Adah Onah as Treasurer, Nsikak Evans Udoukpong as Welfare Secretary and Tope Balogun as Welfare Officer.
