L-R: Onuigbo, Kalu, Uzoma and Ohajuruka


By Tony Icheku


The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu on Monday charged  members of the Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, OMPAN, Abia State chapter to be catalysts for positive change by committing to truth, fairness and integrity in their reportage


Rt Hon Kalu who was the special guest of honour at   the unveiling of  the brand new secretariat of  OMPAN in Umuahia, Abia State further urged the Online Media practitioners to engage the government in constructive dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing by showcasing the achievements and policies of government.


The Deputy Speaker Unveils the Secretariat 

He noted that the President Bola Tinubu's administration had executed laudable policies to turn around the economy including committing N200 billion to the Consumer Credit Corporation; N20 billion for student's loan, NELFUND and various incentives to boost agriculture and MSME, amongst other policies 


The Deputy Speaker,  noting that the media as society's watchdog holds unparrallel influence by its responsibility of holding the powers that be accountable to the people urged OMPAN members to resist the temptations of prioritising  sensationalism over substance stressing that misinformation and fake news  constitute great threats to democracy, national cohesion and hinders progress.


"Uphold the highest standards of journalism integrity, accuracy, fairness and balance. Let your allegiance be to truth and betterment of your country, Nigeria. Patriotism is being pro-Nigeria and upholding actions that will contribute to national unity.


"Use your powerful medium to uncover hidden truths by leveraging data analytics and visualisation to give your audience a deeper understanding of government policies and holding government accountable", he charged  OMPAN members.


Kalu who expressed his pride in the association's unity and progress from it's lowly beginnings tasked them to continue being beacon of hope and champions for truth


Chairman of the association, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro in his remarks applauded the Deputy Speaker Kalu for   his dedication and persistence in ensuring the signing of the South East Development Commission, SEDC  bill into law. 


Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, the National Editor-In-Chief of OMPAN and the Director of ABN TV/Radio in his remarks applauded the Deputy Speaker for his media-friendly  disposition, describing him as always  open to media interactions and for having made significant contributions to the growth of  Abia OMPAN


"Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu has been a strong pillar of support for  Abia OMPAN, and his efforts have helped to elevate the chapter's reputation far and near," he said.


Dignitaries who graced the historic event includes the member of Board of the North East Development Commission, NEDC and two times my member of the House of Representatives, Hon Sam Onuigbo, former Speakers of the Abia State House of Assembly,  respectively Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, and Rt Hon Stanley Ohajuruka, Hon. Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, and several others.