The member representing Oredo West in the Edo State House of Assembly, Dr Richard Edosa, and former Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, have urged women journalists to uphold truth, promote responsible reporting and educate Nigerians on the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They made the call in Benin City during a courtesy visit by the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by its chairperson, Comrade Habiba Aniekan Sam, to Iyamu.
They urged media practitioners to prioritise factual reporting, scrutinise political candidates and policies, and promote issue-based campaigns rather than misinformation, propaganda and political hostility.
Edosa described journalists as critical gatekeepers whose reports could shape public opinion, influence political discourse and either strengthen or undermine national unity.
He challenged journalists to investigate political claims independently and hold public officials accountable, insisting that credible journalism remained essential to democratic development.
The lawmaker said his decision to venture into politics was driven by the conviction that meaningful change required active participation in governance rather than criticism from outside the political system.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of political hatred, protest and manipulation, calling for constructive engagement, strategic alliances and leadership focused on tangible results.
Edosa also advocated a change in the national mindset, arguing that sustainable development required patience, institutional reforms and a willingness to learn from past mistakes.
Defending the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, he pointed to changes in revenue allocations to state governments and developments in the foreign exchange market as issues deserving balanced public assessment.
He argued that successive administrations had inherited serious economic, security, educational and healthcare challenges, urging Nigerians to assess the policies introduced to address them rather than focus solely on complaints.
Edosa expressed confidence in the ability of APC candidates to contribute to governance, citing their experience and commitment to public service.
Iyamu, who is seeking election to the House of Representatives for Oredo Federal Constituency, commended journalists for giving visibility to the concerns of individuals and communities that might otherwise remain unheard.
He described APC candidates for the 2027 elections as credible and capable of effective representation, urging journalists to examine their records, experience and policy proposals before drawing conclusions.
Iyamu called for unity among party members, stressing that electoral success in the National Assembly contests would require collective commitment and cooperation.
On the Tinubu administration, he urged Nigerians to consider the country’s economic difficulties alongside developments he said indicated gradual improvement.
Using a football match as an analogy, Iyamu argued that the administration’s overall performance should be judged within the full context of its tenure rather than through isolated events.
He cited changes in the prices of some food commodities, including rice, while noting that inflation and economic pressures were also affecting other countries. He urged journalists to report international economic developments alongside domestic issues to provide audiences with a broader perspective.
Iyamu further encouraged media practitioners to support candidates they considered credible, expressing confidence that APC candidates would justify the confidence reposed in them if elected.
Earlier, NAWOJ chairperson Sam said the visit was organised to appreciate Iyamu’s humanitarian contributions and explore areas of collaboration on issues affecting women, vulnerable persons and the girl-child.
She disclosed that Iyamu had supported vulnerable people through his foundation before entering public service, particularly in healthcare, education and financial assistance.
Sam also commended his contributions as chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and later as Commissioner for Education, noting his involvement in the state’s education sector.
She praised Iyamu’s conduct during the ongoing political campaign, particularly his reported intervention following the destruction of a political opponent’s billboard.
According to her, Iyamu’s promise to replace the damaged billboard demonstrated a commitment to peaceful political engagement, a gesture she urged other politicians to emulate in reducing hostility and strengthening democratic participation.
Sam congratulated Iyamu on securing the APC ticket for Oredo Federal Constituency and expressed NAWOJ’s readiness to collaborate with him on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women, vulnerable groups and the girl-child.
She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to using its professional platforms to amplify the concerns of underrepresented groups and promote issues affecting their social and economic well-being.
The visit also examined the media’s role in political communication, the responsibilities of public officeholders and the need for constructive engagement between journalists and political leaders as the 2027 general elections approach.
Sam described NAWOJ as a professional, non-profit and gender-focused association committed to advancing the interests of women journalists and promoting women’s participation in journalism and public affairs.
