I Will Sponsor Law To Protect Journalists As Vulnerable Group - Oredo APC Reps Candidate, Paddy Iyamu

I Will Sponsor Law To Protect Journalists As Vulnerable Group - Oredo APC Reps Candidate, Paddy Iyamu

Habiba Sam 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has pledged to sponsor a law to protect journalists who he described as among the most vulnerable in the society.

Dr. Iyamu made the pledge on Tuesday when he visited the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City, as part of the Oredo APC's tour to formally introduce its candidates to journalists.

The APC campaign team was led by the Oredo APC Chairman, Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe, who led party leaders and other candidates to the NUJ Press Centre.

The former Edo State Commissioner for Education said his decision to prioritize legislation for journalists was informed by the critical role they play in democracy and the enormous risks they face daily in the line of duty, often without adequate protection.

He said journalists, like other vulnerable groups, deserve legal safeguards that will guarantee their safety, welfare and freedom to carry out their constitutional duties without fear or intimidation.

"Journalists are among the vulnerable in our society. You go to war zones to get information, you expose ills in society at great personal risk, yet there is little protection for you. If elected, I will sponsor a law that will protect journalists and ensure you are recognized and protected as a vulnerable group," Iyamu assured.

Beyond media protection, the APC candidate said his legislative agenda would focus on improving access to quality healthcare, education, and promoting youth and women empowerment in Oredo Federal Constituency.

He said his blueprint is anchored on policies that will improve living conditions, tackle poverty and expand economic opportunities for residents of Oredo.

Iyamu expressed confidence that his experience in public service and his wide network of contacts would enable him to attract federal presence and meaningful development to the constituency.

Citing his track record as Education Commissioner, he said he facilitated the construction and commissioning of about 6.2 kilometres of internal roads at a state-owned polytechnic through strategic engagements with relevant authorities in Abuja.

He noted that the feat demonstrated his capacity to leverage relationships to bring development, promising to deploy the same approach for Oredo if elected to the House of Representatives.

On education, Iyamu described it as the most potent tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, addressing insecurity and preparing young people for a productive future.

He disclosed that nearly 100 schools were reconstructed and remodelled within one year during his tenure as Commissioner, with improved classroom facilities and provision of furniture for pupils.

He added that his administration initiated aspects of the Safe School Initiative before the Federal Government's intervention, stressing that he would prioritize legislation to strengthen school security and improve learning conditions.

According to him, every child deserves access to quality education and opportunity to succeed, regardless of family background.

On healthcare, he promised to support legislative measures that would expand access to medical services and improve the wellbeing of residents.

He also emphasized women's economic empowerment, noting that investing in women strengthens families, improves livelihoods and drives community development. He said his foundation had supported women through various interventions and he would expand such efforts if elected.

Speaking on youth development, Iyamu described young people as critical to societal progress and called for greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

He cited partnerships facilitated during his tenure, including an agreement with Chinese counterparts that enabled some Edo youths to travel to China for training.

The APC candidate said his desire to represent Oredo is driven by a commitment to translate his public service experience into tangible benefits for the people.

He appealed to voters to support his candidacy in 2027, promising effective representation, people-oriented laws, including the proposed journalists' protection law, and sustained efforts to attract development projects to the constituency.