2025 Press Week : FCT NUJ Holds Thanksgiving Service

As part of its ongoing 2025 Press Week, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, held a thanksgiving service on Sunday onat World Harvest Ministries in Jikwoyi, calling for divine strength and unity in the face of growing challenges in the media industry.

Delivering the sermon titled “Seeking Deliverance from the Athens Troubles of Life,” Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas urged journalists to be vigilant and bold.

Drawing from the biblical book of Matthew, he reminded worshippers of their authority over life’s challenges.

“There is a battle at every level of life,” Kawas said, referencing Matthew 16:18–19. “Christians have the authority to bind and to loose. Don’t be caught unawares.”

The interfaith service brought together Christians, Muslims, and members of other religious communities, reflecting the NUJ’s diversity and shared purpose.

The Press Week Organising Committee Chairman Evelyn Onyilo said the event was held in gratitude for the survival and growth of the union.

She praised NUJ FCT Chairperson Grace Ike for her leadership since taking office.

“She faced battles and emerged victorious—not by might, but by divine strength,” Onyilo said. “We are proud of her service.”

In her remarks, Comrade Ike said the Press Week’s theme, “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society,” was especially timely given rising threats to press freedom.

“Despite challenges like disinformation and harassment, journalists must continue to speak truth to power,” Ike said. “We declare press freedom for Nigerian journalists, particularly here in the FCT.”

The weeklong celebration continues with a series of events promoting press freedom, journalists welfare, and the role of the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy especially in this age of artificial intelligence.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji