By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Clerk, National Assembly, Kamaru Ogunlana, has highlighted the importance of Hansard Reporters in parliamentary democracy. In an interview with journalists at the Annual Delegate Conference of the Association of Hansard/Verbatim Reporters of Nigeria, held at the the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, National Assembly on Tuesday, Ogunlana who was represented by the Clerk, House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, at the event, emphasized the critical role of reporters in capturing the essence of parliamentary business.
Barr Ogunlana noted that the National
Assembly faced challenges in parliamentary reporting due to the retirement of experienced reporters. To address this, the Assembly had to borrow reporters from other institutions to ensure continuity. He also highlighted the challenges of language barriers and the limitations of technology in capturing parliamentary proceedings.
The Clerk however emphasized the need for harmonization among parliamentary reporters to ensure accuracy and consistency in reporting parliamentary proceedings. He noted that the conference provides a platform for reporters to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences, ultimately enhancing their skills and performance.
He therefore expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to providing Hansard Reporters with the necessary tools and training to excel in their work. He noted that the Assembly has employed new reporters to strengthen the department and ensure that parliamentary proceedings are accurately captured.
Also in an interview, the National President of the Association of Hansard/Verbatim Reporters of Nigeria, Gobina Drisu, emphasized the continued relevance of Hansard reporting in the digital age. He noted that while technology has improved the efficiency of reporting, human reporters are still essential for ensuring accuracy and capturing the nuances of parliamentary proceedings.
Drisu highlighted the challenges facing Hansard Reporters, including inadequate equipment, lack of training, and limited government attention. He called for increased support and resources to enable reporters to perform their duties effectively.
The Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, who was represented by Moses Ameh, the Head of Human Resources and Administration delivered a goodwill message at the conference, emphasizing the critical role of Hansard Reporters in parliamentary democracy. He noted that the work of reporters ensures transparency, accountability, and informed governance, and praised their dedication and professionalism.
Adesola Vakporaye, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Director, Parliamentary Legislative Advocacy Centre, Barr Clement Okonkwo at the event.
The conference provided a platform for Hansard reporters to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. The event highlighted the importance of Hansard reporting in parliamentary democracy and the need for continued support and resources to ensure the accuracy and integrity of parliamentary records.
Photo Caption:
Stakeholders in a group photograph at the the Annual National Delegates Conference of the Association of the Hansard)Verbatim Reporters of Nigeria held at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, National Assembly on Monday.
