Adebayo Adenrele
Pastor Mike Abidakun and Alhaji Abdul Mutolib have called on journalists in Ekiti state and across the country to be objective and neutral in their reportage.
They urged journalists to avoid any form of bias and sensationalism, such as ethnic, religious, personal interest or unnecessary propaganda that can stoke violence and disunity in the polity.
The clerics gave the charge on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the 2025 Prayer Session organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council.
In his sermon, Pastor Abidakun of CAC Living Seed Assembly, urged the fourth estate of the realm to be guided by the fear of God, saying it’s the only weapon that can protect them against any unforeseen danger.
“Let the fear of God guide you, let it be instilled in whatever thing you indulge in.
“We must obey whatever He says. Let’s commit our ways into His Hands. We need God to succeed, life without Him will end up in calamity”.
On his part, the Chief Imam, Ansar-u-deen society, Alhaji, Abdul Mutolib urged journalists to discharge their duties with sincerity and honesty devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments.
He also urged them to love themselves, saying it’s the only way to move the union forward.
“The profession is full of dangers, we need to ask God for His guidance, security.
“Can you face the battle with pen and paper? It’s only the intervention of the creator that can protect you. Do your job with Sincerity and honesty so that God can be our guide.
“I am calling on all journalists to report without any ethnic or religious sentiment, discharge your job and God will protect you.
“Don’t hide the truth, be sincere without being hindered by any possible favour attached to the premises of the situation.
“Create love within yourself, God cherish any gathering that they love themselves.BLet’s love each other, let’s make ourselves a union irrespective of the perspective of the public”.
In his remarks, the chairman of the union, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi thanked God for sparing the lives of members without recording any casualties since his assumption into office in 2023.
Babatuyi said the union has recorded landmark achievements under his administration, which include the completion of mock-up shops at NTA road, renaming of the NUJ Hall to Akogun Tai Oguntayo Hall, among others.
He urged all journalists across the state to further support his administration as experienced in 2024, so that the body can record more successes in 2025.