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?
