By YUSUFU IDEGU, Jos-
The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) of Hwolshe, Jos has challenged journalists in Nigeria to act with a sense of patriotism because the media hold the key to National peace and unity
The church said Nation has reached a critical momment, when journalists must act in a way to douse tension and regulate the temperature of the Nigeria’s polity.
The Chairman, Regional Church Council (RCC) Gigiring, Rev. Williams Istifanus made the remarks during the thanks giving service organised by the Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council.
He urged journalists to always remember that they are the watchdog of the society and must not do anything to jeopadise the existence of the nation.
On his part, The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun, said government and journalists has been partners in progress of the state and would continued the synergy in the interest of the state and the country at large.
Guest preacher at the thanksgiving service, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, who is the Chairman National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), said the journalism profession is as old as man and has shaped the lives of men and that of the nation.
Rev Pam who spoke on the topic: “Journalists and Peace Building; The Christian Perspective”, said the country is presently facing threats from various forms of insecurity and crimes leading to public mistrust.
He said journalists can build or destroy the country with their line of reportage. But that journalists in Nigeria has been advocates of nation building and movers of democratic rule in the country.
He urged journalists to continued to preach the virtue of nationalism over ethnicity and regionalism.
He called on Nigerians to change their source of news from social media to mainstream media, noting that social media only spread hate speech and promote ethnicity.
Earlier, Chairman of the Chapel, Gyang Bere, said the thanksgiving was in respect of seven members of the Chapel who lost their lives on the line of duty in 2007
The deceased members were: Moses Ezulike of Champion newspaper, Judith Adama of New Nigeria Newspaper, Chinwo Aver of Leadership newspaper, Nuhu Musa of News Agency of Nigeria, Izaac Agbo of The Nation, Sudan Lar of NTA and Reuben Emeje of Federal Information.
Special prayers was offered for the deceased journalists.
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