NUJ FCT Press Week: Journalists Turn to God for Strength Amid Rising Media Challenges.
By Raymond Enoch
In a show of faith and solidarity, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, gathered at World Harvest Ministries, Jikwoyi, on Sunday for a solemn thanksgiving service, seeking divine strength and direction amid growing challenges confronting journalism in Nigeria.
The spiritual gathering, held as part of the 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week, drew journalists from various media houses, as well as members of other professions and faiths. It was a moment of reflection, unity, and recommitment to the values of truth, courage, and press freedom.
Delivering the sermon titled “Seeking Deliverance from the Athens Troubles of Life,” Archbishop Professor Leonard Bature Kawas urged journalists to remain spiritually vigilant and bold in the face of professional, societal, and personal trials.
“There is a battle at every level of life,” he declared, drawing inspiration from Matthew 16:18–19. “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 Archbishop emphasized the divine authority carried by all believers, encouraging the media community not to succumb to fear, false prophecies, or the darkness that seeks to silence the truth.
The interfaith nature of the service — attended by Christians, Muslims, and others — showcased the inclusive spirit of the NUJ FCT Council. It was a reminder that while journalism faces mounting threats, the profession still unites people across religious and ideological divides in the shared mission of informing society.
Evelyn Onyilo, Chairperson of the 2025 Press Week Organising Committee, described the service as a gesture of gratitude and a moment to acknowledge the spiritual backbone of the union’s resilience.
She praised Comrade Grace Ike, the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, for her exemplary leadership, describing her as “a woman of strength, guided not by her own power, but by the Spirit of God.”
“She went through battles and came out victorious,” Onyilo noted. “She has represented you well, and we are proud of her achievements. NUJ FCT is rising under her watch.”
“We Declare Press Freedom” – Grace Ike
In her address after the service, Comrade Grace Ike spoke passionately about the central theme of this year’s Press Week — “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society.”
“This theme couldn’t have come at a better time,” she said. “We are living in an era where misinformation, disinformation, and institutional pressure threaten the very essence of journalism. But let it be known: press freedom is non-negotiable.”
Ike reaffirmed the union’s stance against all forms of intimidation and censorship, stating that journalists are not merely reporters, but custodians of truth and accountability in a rapidly evolving digital society.
“We will not be intimidated,” she affirmed. “We are workers in the vineyard of truth, and like today’s sermon declared, whatever we declare shall come to pass. So we declare: press freedom for all Nigerian journalists, especially in the FCT.”
The 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week continues with a series of activities aimed at strengthening journalistic bonds, defending democratic values, and retooling the profession for the era of Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation.
As the Nigerian media navigates turbulent waters, one thing remains clear — journalists are not retreating. Instead, they are gathering strength, not just from their pens and cameras, but also from prayer, purpose, and a shared resolve to hold the line for truth.
