The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel (NUJIC), Oyo State Ministry of Information, kicked off its 2025 Press Week celebrations with a thanksgiving service at the New Covenant Church, Akobo, Ibadan. The event brought together members of the chapel, officials of the Ministry of Information, family, and friends, who gathered to offer praises to God for His grace and protection. Led by Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, the celebrants expressed gratitude to God for a fruitful year.
The presiding pastor, Rev. Samuel Emmanuel, in his sermon, encouraged journalists to put their trust in God and remain steadfast in faith as they carry out their professional duties.
“You must walk by faith. It takes faith to journey through life,” he said. “Our faith must be constantly activated, and prayer should remain at the center of everything we do.”
Rev. Emmanuel emphasized the importance of prayer and integrity in human endeavors, urging journalists to seek divine guidance in their work. He also offered special prayers for the upliftment of the chapel, the ministry, and the Oyo State Government.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Sola Akande commended journalists for beginning their 2025 Week with a thanksgiving service, describing it as a remarkable act of putting God first.
Dr. Akande noted that he had not seen any other professional body working with the Oyo State Government across its ministries and departments. Agencies (MDs) are organizing a very befitting programme that will start their week-long celebration with such a spiritually grounded event, calling it a model worth emulating.
He applauded the leadership of the NUJIC for projecting the image of the ministry very well.
Dr. Akande while praying for journalists quoted a Bible passage from the book Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (KJV) emphasizing that the fear of God goes beyond religion.
He said, “When you live and work with reverence for God, blessings and success will surely follow.”
Also during the service, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola took the Bible reading from 1 Timothy 6:6–10.
The NUJIC chairman, Comrade Fasasi Ismail, explained that this year’s celebration is unique and will feature various activities, including a novelty match, a free health Programme, donations of gifts to a motherless babies’ home, a lecture, an awards presentation, and a Jumah service.
He expressed appreciation to the church for hosting the service and thanked the commissioner, the permanent secretary, and all chapel members for their support and participation.
“This year’s celebration is unique and features various activities.
“Our Press Week is not only about celebration; it’s also about reflection and thanksgiving,” he said. “We are grateful to God for another opportunity to serve our union and members”.
