By Stella Okoh-Esene
Protocol:
I am pleased to join you today as you mark your 2025 Press Week. I must commend the NUJ Abuja Council for the consistent engagement with the public on different aspects of governance and service to the people. Today is another opportunity that brings together voices from the media, civil society, government, and other critical sectors of our national life and offers us an opportunity to reflect deeply on the progress we have made and the challenges that remain in advancing gender equity, press freedom, and inclusive governance in our democratic journey. I deeply appreciate the FCT Council for the honour of being selected as a recipient of the Gender Advocacy and Leadership Award, and for the privilege of addressing this distinguished assembly on the theme: “Journalism in our changing world: press freedom, media, democracy and society.”
This year’s theme is both timely and significant, given the plethora of our governance issues. We live in an age where democracy and press freedom are often constantly tested by disinformation, intolerance, institutional weaknesses, and civic disengagement, especially since the emergence of social media. The media, as the fourth estate of the realm, however, remains central to how these challenges are confronted and resolved. Journalism is not merely about the dissemination of information, but about the protection of truth, the expansion of civic consciousness, and the advancement of democratic values. That is why the importance of this forum cannot be overstated; it provides a platform to reinforce the bond between democracy and a free, ethical, and responsible press.
The theme further invites us to examine the symbiotic relationship between democracy and gender inclusion. In many parts of the world, the media has become a rallying force for amplifying women’s voices, holding power to account, and pushing for legislative reform. Gatherings such as this are essential to fostering partnerships that strengthen both the media’s capacity and gender equity efforts. As the 10th House of Representatives, we consider ourselves allies of the media. We recognize the media as partners in the democratic process, and we remain committed to providing the legal and institutional frameworks that support its growth and independence.
The media remains indispensable in ensuring electoral transparency and civic participation. Over the years, journalists across Nigeria have demonstrated courage and professionalism in reporting elections, holding political actors accountable, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. In a time when misinformation and political apathy threaten democratic gains, the vigilance of the press remains our strongest safeguard. As lawmakers, we do not take this for granted. We recognize the media as both a watchdog and a partner in our shared mission of building a transparent and accountable democratic order.
As part of our commitment to transparency and open governance, the 10th House of Representatives introduced citizen-focused innovations such as the Open NASS, Legislative Citizenship Roundtable, and expanded live streaming of plenaries, public hearings, and committee engagements. These reforms are designed to provide Nigerians with real-time access to our work, reduce information asymmetry, and foster legislative trust. We firmly believe that democracy cannot thrive behind closed doors. It must be participatory, visible, and accountable at all times. The media has a crucial role to play in ensuring these reforms are not only reported but also protected and improved upon.
We also acknowledge the strategic contributions of the female legislators in the 10th House, as well as the unwavering advocacy of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs and the committee of Women in Parliament. These women have led efforts on critical bills, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, gender-equal pay motions, and laws that address violence against women and girls, and most especially the current nationwide agitation for special seats for women in the legislature, which is receiving massive support from Nigerians and the Members of the House. Through collaborative efforts with civil society, they have amplified legislative attention on gender justice and social inclusion. As Speaker, I am proud to work alongside such dedicated legislators, whose passion and leadership continue to inspire progress across all sectors, and I am fully committed to ensuring the passage of the Bill on special seats for women.
Let me also reaffirm that our work in the House of Representatives aligns with Nigeria’s international commitments, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) and the African Union’s Gender Strategy. These frameworks remind us that gender inclusion is not merely a domestic policy issue but a global development imperative. They challenge us to do more, to legislate with foresight, and to ensure that no Nigerian, regardless of gender, is left behind in our nation’s journey toward peace, equity, and prosperity.
The 10th House of Representatives understands that gender equity is a legislative responsibility. Over the past year, we have prioritized bills and motions that promote the rights, welfare, and representation of women and girls across Nigeria. From reviewing discriminatory laws to promoting access to education, health, and economic opportunities, our legislative agenda has consistently emphasized the central role of gender justice in national development. We are proud to be partners in the gender advocacy mission, and we reiterate that the 10th House is the People’s House and our doors remain open to all Nigerians, especially those whose voices are often left unheard.
Gentlemen of the press, it will interest you to know that, this Wednesday through Thursday, the House is convening a Special Roundtable event dedicated to deepening our legislative dialogue on the Reserved Special Seats Bill for Women. This engagement brings together lawmakers, advocacy groups, women leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to refine strategies for achieving equitable representation. I must emphasize that the House is committed to concluding the legislative process on this bill and delivering results that will secure a more inclusive future for our country. I invite the media to support this bill through advocacy and sensitization of our people on the need to have women representation in the legislature.
Just a few weeks ago, we held our annual Open Week, a civic engagement initiative where we threw open the gates of the National Assembly to the Nigerian public. Thousands of citizens participated in that event, youth groups, media professionals, civil society actors, women organisations, traditional rulers, and government agencies were all represented. We created dedicated sessions for each demography to express their concerns, evaluate our work, and shape our legislative agenda. It was a proud moment of democracy in action, and it reaffirmed our belief in open governance and participatory lawmaking.
In light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news particularly through digital and social media platforms, I urge the Nigerian media to strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks. These should not be isolated initiatives, but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions. As the 10th House of Representatives, we are prepared to support such frameworks through formal collaboration, including integration with our legislative oversight functions and public information systems. This partnership will ensure that citizens have access to verified, timely, and transparent information, especially on policy matters and electoral issues.
Secondly, I encourage the media to spearhead the development of a national code of ethical conduct specifically tailored for digital journalism and social media reporting. Such a code should provide guidelines on the responsible use of sources, AI-generated content, and anonymous reporting, while also safeguarding press freedom. We in the National Assembly are open to backing this initiative with enabling legislation or resolutions that promote digital responsibility without infringing on the constitutional rights of our people. No country grows through fake news and misinformation because false narrative can destabilize institutions and we must work together to build a media environment anchored on ethics, accuracy, and accountability.
I would like to sincerely thank the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, for this honour. I also recognize the contributions of development partners, civil society actors, and members of the press who have sustained advocacy in this space. Your presence here today is a reminder that change is not delivered by institutions alone, but by the convergence of voices committed to justice, inclusion, and progress.
As you deliberate and celebrate today, I encourage robust conversations and insightful reflections. The House of Representatives looks forward to receiving an actionable communique that will guide our ongoing legislative interventions in the areas of press freedom and the advocacy for special seats for women. Once again, I thank the NUJ FCT Council for this honour and wholeheartedly dedicate this award to the resilient and committed Members of the 10th House of Representatives, who work daily to build a more just and equitable Nigeria.
Thank you, and May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.