Nigeria’s media must do more than highlight its challenges by also telling stories of progress, opportunities and efforts being made to address national problems, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja, Kalu urged journalists to embrace balanced reporting while maintaining their responsibility to hold government accountable.
He said discussions with foreign partners had shown that Nigeria’s strengths were often overshadowed by negative narratives.
“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 stressed that journalism should not focus only on government failures but should also highlight achievements and initiatives capable of improving the country’s image.
“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”, Kalu said.
He described balanced reporting as essential to giving Nigerians a clearer understanding of national development while preserving the media’s watchdog role.
Kalu also reaffirmed his support for the parliamentary press, noting that journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in shaping public understanding of democracy.He urged members of the House Press Corps to continue reporting legislative activities, including oversight, lawmaking, constituency representation, p ublic hearings and debates.
“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.
The Deputy Speaker also called on journalists to use their platforms to promote national cohesion, patriotism and unity, while commending the press corps for ensuring that Nigerians at home and abroad remain informed about parliamentary activities.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen’s open-door leadership style, saying it has allowed journalists to report parliamentary proceedings without undue restrictions.
He described the parliamentary press as a key link between the legislature and citizens, helping Nigerians understand the work and responsibilities of the National Assembly.
