The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Chapter, began its 2020 Press Week on Sunday with a thanksgiving service.
Media practitioners have been charged to practice their profession like a calling aimed at service to humanity.
Pastor Michael Gbala of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Higher Glory Cathedral, Akure gave the charge in his sermon at the thanksgiving service with large members of the union in attendance.
He said everybody in the society including government and the masses rely on what journalists write to be informed, saying a nation that was not informed was deformed.
The cleric who spoke on the topic “Journalism and Nation Building,” posited that journalists must be in the forefront if a nation was to be developed.
“If we must build the nation, journalists must be in the forefront. I know that there are many challenges you are facing. You are so important in nation building. Without you there is no way the people can be informed.
“Everybody including government and the masses are relying on you and you can’t afford to let us down” he said.
He charged journalists to always bring to the consciousness of leaders the reason to do the right things, saying journalists are privileged people who should know the truth and must discharge their duties without fear or favour.
Gbala urged the gentlemen of the press on the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving particularly in the outgoing year 2020 as he charged journalists to inform the public on the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the service, the Chairman NUJ, Comrade Tona Aderoboye, said given challenges of journalism, it was imperative for journalists in Ondo State to thank God for His grace.
He promised that journalists in the State will continue to discharge their legitimate duties without fear or favour.