Journalists today besieged God in prayers and supplications for spiritual strength amid the increasing challenges facing the media profession in Nigeria.
They gathered at the World Harvest Ministries, Jikwoyi, Abuja, also in thanksgiving to God as part of activities lined up for the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council Press Week celebration.
Delivering a sermon themed “Seeking Deliverance from the Athens Troubles of Life,” Archbishop, Professor Leonard Bature Kawas, urged the congregation to be spiritually alert and courageous in the face of life’s battles.
Drawing from Matthew 16:18–19, he reminded journalists and other worshippers that they carry divine authority to govern their territories and must not surrender to fear, false prophecies, or the cruelty of the devil.
“There is a battle at every level of life,” the Archbishop said. “You must know who you are and not be caught unawares. Christians have the power to bind and to loose, and must reject the devil at every turn.”
The church service drew a diverse crowd, including Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths highlighting the unity of purpose that defines the NUJ FCT community.
Speaking, the Press Week Organising Committee Chairman, Evelyn Onyilo, described the gathering as one of gratitude to God for preserving the union and guiding its leadership.
Referring to Comrade Grace Ike, the Chairman praised the FCT NUJ Chairperson for her resilience, leadership, and service over the past seven months.
“She went through battles and came out victorious, not by her might but by the Spirit of God. She has represented you well, and we are proud of her achievements. NUJ FCT is rising under her watch,” she said.
Onyilo underscored the need for unity amongst the leaders at all levels for the development of the country.
“Without unity Nigeria cannot move forward, therefore, the leaders must lead well for the benefit of all Nigerians. As 2027 approaches, leaders should understand that Nigerians will no longer be taking for a ride. We are going to vote for leaders who are people friendly -who love their country and their citizens,” she noted.
Speaking after the service, Comrade Grace Ike described this year’s Press Week theme, “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society” as timely and essential.
She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to a free press, warning against growing attempts to silence journalists.
“Press freedom is non-negotiable,” she said. “Despite the challenges, be it misinformation, disinformation, or harassment, journalists will continue to speak truth to power.
“We will not be intimidated. We are workers in the vineyard of truth, and like today’s sermon declared, whatever we declare shall come to pass. We declare press freedom for Nigerian journalists, especially in the FCT” she concluded.
The NUJ Press Week continues with a series of activities aimed at fostering unity among journalists, promoting press freedom, and highlighting the vital role of the media in Nigeria’s democracy especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence.
