NUJ FCT press week: Journalists seek spiritual strength at thanksgiving service

As part of the ongoing 2025 Press Week activities, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, gathered at World Harvest Ministries in Jikwoyi for a special thanksgiving service to seek spiritual strength, unity, and guidance amid growing challenges in the media industry.

The service, held under a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere, featured a powerful sermon by Archbishop Professor Leonard Bature Kawas. Preaching on the theme “Seeking Deliverance from the Athens Troubles of Life,” Archbishop Kawas encouraged journalists and worshippers to remain spiritually alert, courageous, and anchored in faith while navigating the many pressures of life and work.

Citing Matthew 16:18–19, he reminded the congregation that they carry divine authority and should stand firm in their roles as truth-bearers in society. “You have been given the keys to govern your territories. Do not give in to fear, false prophecies, or the cruelty of the devil,” he declared.

“There is a battle at every level of life,” the Archbishop said. “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 church service drew a diverse crowd, including Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths highlighting the unity of purpose that defines the NUJ FCT community.

Speaking during the service, the Press Week Organising Committee Chairman, Evelyn Onyilo, described the gathering as one of gratitude to God for preserving the union and guiding its leadership.

Referring to Comrade Grace Ike, the Chairman praised the FCT NUJ Chairperson for her resilience, leadership, and service over the past seven months. “She went through battles and came out victorious, not by her might but by the Spirit of God. She has represented you well, and we are proud of her achievements. NUJ FCT is rising under her watch.”

Speaking after the service, Comrade Grace Ike described this year’s Press Week theme—“Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society” as timely and essential.

She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to a free press, warning against growing attempts to silence journalists.

“Press freedom is non-negotiable,” she said. “Despite the challenges, be it misinformation, disinformation, or harassment, journalists will continue to speak truth to power.

“We will not be intimidated. We are workers in the vineyard of truth, and like today’s sermon declared, whatever we declare shall come to pass. We declare press freedom for Nigerian journalists, especially in the FCT” she concluded.

The NUJ Press Week continues with a series of activities aimed at fostering unity among journalists, promoting press freedom, and highlighting the vital role of the media in Nigeria’s democracy especially in this era of ArtificialIntelligence.