By Queen Kunde
The 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, entered a spiritual dimension as members gathered at World Harvest Ministries, Jikwoyi, for a special thanksgiving service a solemn call for divine strength amid rising challenges facing the profession.
With the theme of the sermon titled “Seeking Deliverance from the Athens Troubles of Life,” Archbishop Professor Leonard Bature Kawas stirred hearts with a message of spiritual vigilance and resilience. Drawing inspiration from Matthew 16:18–19, he reminded journalists and congregants alike that they carry divine authority and must not succumb to fear, falsehood, or the pressures of the times.
“There is a battle at every level of life,” the Archbishop declared. “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.”
In a remarkable show of interfaith harmony, the service welcomed participants from Christian, Muslim, and other faith backgrounds reflecting the NUJ FCT’s message of unity and collective purpose.
Press Week Organising Committee Chairperson, Evelyn Onyilo, emphasized the importance of gratitude and spiritual grounding. She celebrated the leadership of NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, describing her as “a woman of resilience who triumphed not by power, but by divine grace.”
“She has represented you well,” Onyilo said. “Under her watch, NUJ FCT is not just active, it is rising.”
Speaking at the event, Comrade Grace Ike underscored the importance of this year’s theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society.” She emphasized the critical role of journalists in safeguarding truth, democracy, and public interest in an increasingly complex media terrain dominated by misinformation and artificial intelligence.
“Press freedom is non-negotiable,” Ike said. “We will not be intimidated. Despite growing efforts to silence the media, we remain the voice of the people, the watchdog of society, and workers in the vineyard of truth.”
Echoing the spirit of the sermon, she added, “Whatever we declare shall come to pass. Today, we declare press freedom for Nigerian journalists, especially in the FCT.”
The week-long celebration continues with a series of events designed to foster professional growth, solidarity, and civic engagement, including lectures, awards, community outreach, and discussions on AI’s impact on journalism.
As challenges mount, the NUJ FCT Council stands firm not just with microphones and pens but with prayers and purpose.
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