Archbishop Kawas charges Journalists to resist Fear, uphold truth at NUJ FCT service

As part of the ongoing 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, members gathered for a thanksgiving service at World Harvest Ministries in Jikwoyi, seeking spiritual guidance and resilience in the face of increasing professional challenges.

The service featured a powerful sermon by Archbishop Professor Leonard Bature Kawas, titled “Seeking Deliverance from the Athens Troubles of Life”.

Drawing from Matthew 16:18–19, the cleric charged journalists and the wider congregation to remain spiritually alert and courageous, reminding them of their divine authority and the constant need to resist fear, deception, and spiritual attacks.

“There is a battle at every level of life,” he declared.

“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 interfaith gathering saw participation from Christians, Muslims, and others, reflecting the inclusive spirit that defines the NUJ FCT Council.

Evelyn Onyilo, Chairperson of the Press Week Organising Committee, described the thanksgiving as an expression of gratitude for divine preservation and leadership.

She praised FCT NUJ Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, for her exceptional service, leadership, and endurance over the past seven months.

“She went through battles and came out victorious, not by her might but by the Spirit of God,” Onyilo said.

“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 theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society”, as both relevant and urgent.

She emphasized the union’s commitment to press freedom and warned against mounting efforts to suppress the voices of journalists.

“Press freedom is non-negotiable,” she asserted. “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.”

The NUJ FCT Press Week continues with events aimed at fostering unity among media professionals, defending press freedom, and spotlighting the essential role of journalism in Nigeria’s evolving democracy, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.