Upon assumption of office as House Spokesman and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, together with my Deputy, Rep. Philip Agbese, we were determined to improve the working conditions for our Press Corps and elevate the standards of media engagement.

Yesterday marked a significant milestone as we hosted the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, for the official commissioning of our newly-renovated Media Centre at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. An event that also included the inauguration of new Executives for the House of Representatives Press Corps.

One of our primary objectives as a Committee was to renovate and furnish the House of Representatives Media Centre. Undoubtedly, this upgraded facility will provide a more conducive working environment for our esteemed Press Corps, whose dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in our progress.

The goal of the project was achieved through the corporate social responsibility efforts of Larelek Ultimate Global Ltd., and I extend my gratitude to the CEO, Mr. Olalekan Adebiyi, for his generous support.

I extend heartfelt appreciation to the House Leadership for their pivotal roles in realising this remarkable achievement. Special thanks go to Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar (Bichi), Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation. Additionally, I am grateful for the support of my Deputy Spokesman, Rep. (Chief) Philip Agbese, and the dedicated members of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

I would also like to commend the former Press Corps Executive, led by Ms. Grace Ike, for their hard work and dedication during their tenure. Their contributions have laid a strong foundation for the new leadership.

To the newly-inaugurated executives, led by Chairman Mr. Gboyega Onadiran, I urge you to embrace this responsibility with integrity and commitment. The expectations are high, and I am confident that you will continue to uphold the values of transparency and accountability in your engagements.

I also want to commend our Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, for his inclusive leadership and unwavering support for Media and Public Affairs. His dedication to transparency and effective communication has been a cornerstone of our Legislative Agenda, particularly Agenda 6 on Inclusion and Open Parliament, ensuring that the public remains well-informed about our work.

Congratulations to the new Executives of the House of Representatives Press Corps. This facility serves as a testament to our commitment to nurturing a vibrant and independent press, a cornerstone of robust democracy. I implore you to prioritise its upkeep and ensure it continues to serve as a conducive hub for meaningful interactions and engagements, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration and meaningful contributions to enhancing the House’s media engagement. Together, we will drive the future evolution of our Media and Public Affairs initiatives, championing transparency, accountability, and fostering a robust connection with the public.