The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Thursday, urged Nigerian journalists to continue holding government accountable while also projecting the country’s strengths and opportunities to the world.Speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu said balanced journalism should not only expose shortcomings in governance but also highlight progress, reforms and investment opportunities capable of improving Nigeria’s global image.Drawing from his recent engagements with international stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker said the country’s positive stories deserve greater visibility alongside critical reporting.“Let me also say this. I’ve traveled around recently and had conversations about Nigeria outside our country. Two days ago, I was with the European Union ambassadors, and one of the questions they raised is that Nigeria is so blessed, so many opportunities; why is it that the analyses there are not projecting our strengths more than our weaknesses?“So, 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 that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the press corps,” he said.He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu said balanced journalism should not only expose shortcomings in governance but also highlight progress, reforms and investment opportunities capable of improving Nigeria’s global image.Drawing from his recent engagements with international stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker said the country’s positive stories deserve greater visibility alongside critical reporting.“Let me also say this. I’ve traveled around recently and had conversations about Nigeria outside our country. Two days ago, I was with the European Union ambassadors, and one of the questions they raised is that Nigeria is so blessed, so many opportunities; why is it that the analyses there are not projecting our strengths more than our weaknesses?“So, 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 that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the press corps,” he said.He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Drawing from his recent engagements with international stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker said the country’s positive stories deserve greater visibility alongside critical reporting.“Let me also say this. I’ve traveled around recently and had conversations about Nigeria outside our country. Two days ago, I was with the European Union ambassadors, and one of the questions they raised is that Nigeria is so blessed, so many opportunities; why is it that the analyses there are not projecting our strengths more than our weaknesses?“So, 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 that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the press corps,” he said.He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “Let me also say this. I’ve traveled around recently and had conversations about Nigeria outside our country. Two days ago, I was with the European Union ambassadors, and one of the questions they raised is that Nigeria is so blessed, so many opportunities; why is it that the analyses there are not projecting our strengths more than our weaknesses?“So, 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 that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the press corps,” he said.He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “So, 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 that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the press corps,” he said.He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the press corps,” he said.He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). He noted that “It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling.”Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Kalu stressed that balanced reporting requires acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and the efforts being made to address them.“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true, balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you.I believe in the work you do,” he added.Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Describing parliament as the “fulcrum of democracy,” Kalu said journalists covering the National Assembly play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand the legislature’s constitutional responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and constituency engagement.He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). He urged members of the Press Corps to continue reporting in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions.“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly, we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country and projecting the national objectives of this current administration?, he asked.The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). The Deputy Speaker also praised members of the House Press Corps for their professionalism, describing them as an elite group of journalists entrusted with reporting the activities of Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution.In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr, commended the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas for sustaining an open-door policy that has enhanced transparency and media access to parliamentary proceedings.“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). “The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives,” he said.Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Rotimi urged journalists covering the National Assembly to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility.Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Earlier, the re-elected Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the corps would continue to balance constructive engagement with the legislature and the ethical demands of journalism.The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Kalu (Secretary), Saheed Badmus (Financial Secretary) and Adah Onah as Treasurer.Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer). Others are Gift Chapi-Odekina(Assistant Secretary), Nsikak Udoukpong (Welfare Secretary) and Tope Balogun (Welfare Officer).