Stabilize Nigeria With Your Reportage – CAC Pastor, Joesph Akinade Charges Journalists
The Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Eagle’s Wings Assembly, Wakajaye Road, Ibadan, Pastor Joseph Akinlolu Akinade has charged journalists to stabilize the nation with objective and balanced reportage of personalities and happenings.
The Cleric made this known in his sermon during the thanksgiving service held at the Church cathedral to mark 2023 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council.
Pastor Akinade while stressing the roles of Journalists to nation building, maintained that when journalists adhere to ethical standards guiding the profession, the country would be better for it and enjoined them to refrain from news that could bring down individuals, organisations, institutions, government, and the country based on falsehood and blackmail.
He advised journalists to be fair to all parties in a story and ensure that they balance their news by getting all necessary angles warning them against fabrication of stories for financial gain as well as assassinating character of colleagues for personal gains, saying journalists who indulge in such practices risk future repercussion .
I want to enjoin all journalists in Nigeria, especially those that have been cheating their colleagues, that they must stop this practice because of their future and that of their children. Again, don’t assassinate the character of your colleagues because you want to attain a particular position or because of money. If you do, you may have your way. But the repercussion will be waiting for you. I want you to always remember that no sinner will go unpunished …Pastor Akinade added
Speaking, Chairman, NUJ Oyo State Council, Chief Ademola Babalola, said the NUJ Press Week was an annual event which provides an opportunity for the people in the pen profession to come together to merry and discuss topics of national interest that could benefit the country.
Chief Babalola called on Members of NUJ in the state to shun reports which could distintegrate Nigeria’s Unity or hinder its peaceful co-existence.
While thanking God for his protection over all the Members of the Union in the State, Chief Babalola expressed appreciation to the Church, particularly, the Pastor in Charge, Akinlolu Akinade and his Wife who is a popular Gospel Singer, Mrs Olubukola Akinade, also known as Senwele Jesu, for the opportunity to begin the Union’s week with thanksgiving in the Church.
The NUJ Press Week is an important event in the calendar of journalists in Nigeria. It provides a platform for us to come together, learn from experts in various fields, network and share experiences. As journalists, we have a critical role to play in shaping the society. Our duty goes beyond informing, educating and entertaining. We must hold those in power accountable, expose corruption, and ensure that the society is better for all.
Wife of the Senior Pastor, Evangelist Bukola Akinade, a leading gospel music artiste in Nigeria, popularly known as ‘Senwele Jesu’, also led the journalists in a session of praise and worship, which made all the journalists to dance before the altar in appreciation of God’s goodness to them.
