By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has urged members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to practice an all-inclusive journalism of societal repair rather than journalism that try to manipulate and spread false narratives.

Iyamu made the call during a courtesy visit by the Edo State Chapter of NAWOJ led by its Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam, to appreciate his humanitarian services.

He said journalists have a powerful voice to repair society by pushing the right narrative and educating the public on the true state of the country.

Iyamu said there are a lot of misconceptions about the administration of President Bola Tinubu, but the truth is that the government is making progress.

According to him, “Let us continue to educate, use our platforms to educate people. Let us judge it from where we are coming from and where we are now. You have a voice to help us continue to push the right narrative.

“If someone is playing a football match, you don’t call the result after the first half. You call the result after the second half. So, let’s give the man the opportunity to finish,” he said.

He cited the drop in food prices as evidence of societal progress.

“After the first subsidy removal, the price of Gari, the price of rice was about 100,000 or something. But today, you guys go to the market. It goes to show you that the government knows what they are doing. And slowly but surely, things will be better,” he added.

Iyamu also urged journalists to put Nigeria’s challenges in the global context, noting that earthquakes, disasters, flooding and inflation are affecting countries all over the world, including Paris recently.

“When you see things like that, you should also write about it. What’s happening in Paris, what’s happening because of inflation? People will also be informed. Because the misconception is really very bad,” he said.

He appealed for support for the APC candidates for National Assembly, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly describing them as credible men and women who would not disappoint.

“I want to appeal that we work for all of us. We are now running for seats in the National Assembly, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, it’s a joint ticket. And we require your support,” he said.

He thanked NAWOJ for amplifying the voices of women, the girl-child and the vulnerable.

Earlier, NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam, said the visit was to appreciate Iyamu’s selfless humanitarian services.

She described NAWOJ as the umbrella body of women journalists in Nigeria, formed on September 12, 1989, to gain more recognition for women in a profession dominated by men.

She recalled that as a private citizen, Iyamu helped many vulnerable Nigerians through his Foundation in health, education and financial grants, and later distinguished himself as Chairman, SUBEB, and Commissioner for Education, where he was recognised as the ‘Star Commissioner’.

She commended his peaceful campaign, particularly his promise to replace the billboard of a political opponent that was destroyed, and pledged NAWOJ’s support to give voice to women, the vulnerable and the girl-child in collaboration with his office.

Also speaking, APC candidate for Oredo West Constituency, Hon. Richard Osaro Edosa, charged journalists to rise above the politics of protest, hatred and manipulation, and embrace journalism anchored on truth, accountability and integrity.

He defended President Tinubu’s reforms, citing no fuel queues, no nationwide strikes by doctors, teachers and nurses, and falling food prices.

In his remarks, APC candidate for Oredo East Constituency, Hon. Osamuede Edwin Edebiri, promised to prioritise women and youth empowerment if elected.

He said he would support deserving women with non-refundable grants to establish small businesses, noting that when you empower a woman, you empower the family.

On youths, he said unskilled youths would be enrolled in vocational training such as furniture making and hairdressing, with apprenticeship agreements signed and transportation support provided, while skilled youths would be nurtured to realise their dreams.