By Patience David Danboyi
Distinguished and amiable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D., GCON, Principal Officers, Committee Chairmen, Honourable Members, esteemed colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen.
I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps to move a vote of thanks. This retreat marks a significant milestone, as it is the first of its kind under my five-month-old leadership, and I am proud of what we have achieved and still are achieving together.
Let me begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Speaker, the one we call the Talk and Do Speaker, for graciously organizing this retreat for members of the Press Corps.
This event has provided us with a unique platform to engage with the legislative arm of government and gain deeper insights into the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives.
The theme of this retreat, “Understanding the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House: The Media Perspective,” is particularly relevant, as the media is integral to shaping public opinion, promoting transparency, and fostering accountability.
As journalists, we recognize the critical role we play in promoting good governance. However, we also acknowledge the challenges we face, such as limited access to information, harassment, and occasional intimidation. It is reassuring to note that the 10th House, under the able leadership of Mr. Speaker, has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, as evidenced by the establishment of committees to oversee the activities of government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Mr. Speaker, the Press Corps is immensely proud of you and your outstanding contributions to the growth and sustenance of our democracy. You have been exceptional and have delivered on many of your promises, especially to the Press Corp.
• You promised to improve the welfare of Press Corps members, and you delivered.
• You promised training and capacity-building initiatives, and here we are today.
• You committed to giving our Media Centre a facelift, and now we have a state-of-the-art facility.
Your Excellency, Your exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Press Corps have not gone unnoticed.
It is in recognition of these outstanding qualities and your exceptional contributions to parliamentary excellence that the House of Representatives Press Corps is honoured to present you with the “Icon of Parliamentary Leadership Award.”
This award is a token of our immense appreciation for your leadership, your vision, and your efforts to build a robust and collaborative relationship between the legislature and the media.
Your legacy as the Talk and Do Speaker is one that inspires not just us, but the nation as a whole
However, Your Excellency, like Oliver Twist, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bus you promised and the long-awaited insurance cover for members of the Press Corps.
On behalf of the House Press Corps, I assure you that we will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, always prioritizing the national interest.
I would also like to appreciate the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi (Jr.), for his unwavering support and cooperation. To the Speaker’s media team, led by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Musa Abdullahi Krishi, your efforts in organizing this retreat in collaboration with the Committee on Media and Public Affairs are greatly valued.
Most importantly, we appreciate the UNDP for being worthy partners to the Legislature and the media and for facilitating this retreat
To my colleagues in the Press Corps, I thank you for your dedication and professionalism. I urge you all to actively participate in this retreat. Your insightful questions and contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and help us better understand the issues confronting our nation.
Once again, I extend our profound gratitude to the Speaker and the leadership of the House for this opportunity.
Thank you, and may God bless Nigeria.
