NCPC boss urged Journalists to be gate keepers, as Nigeria is experiencing perilous times

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has urged Journalists in the country to be on the watch and be cautious about their reportage as Nigeria is faced with threats to life and insecurity.

Rev. Pam who spoke while delivering a sermon at the thanksgiving service of the Correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Plateau State Council on Sunday, at COCIN RCC Gigiring Jos said Nigeria is in the days of perilous times and things are very difficult.

Speaking on “The Role of Media on Peace Building: The Biblical Perspective, the Rev. Pam said Journalists in the country should know that as purveyors of justice, “the society was looking upward to them on how they paint the picture of the country before the eyes of the international community.

He noted, “we have fanatics in the church who do not want to talk about peace. Who will go out of their way to inflict pains and sorrow to people not minding the negative consequences of their action. He insisted, “peaceful living is essential and we must be seen to promote it”!

Taking his text from the books of Isaiah 52:7: Psalms 68:11 Songs of Solomon 2:8, Mark 13:10, Romans 10:15, Ephesians 6:18, he said “journalism did not start today but has been there for ages from the biblical accounts of what took place as sighted in the scriptures.

He further said: “journalists and preachers do the same work as not everybody is a preacher nor a journalist unless they under go rigorous training”.

According to Rev. Pam “Nigeria is presently facing threats to peace, insecurity, violence and all sorts of criminality.

“Boko Haram, kidnapping, banditry and agitations to split the country have taken centre stage and there are increased tensions including natural disasters and their likes but said “God has reasons for what happens around us”!

He said, the social media has done more damage to our nation but however said, in all this, “the journalist has the responsibility of good reportage to safeguard the nations integrity”.

“The society that we are in today is full of story hiding. Journalists are responsible for speaking the truth, digging out root causes, analyse and proffer solutions if we must make meaningful progress”!

He said, “there are red lines and the journalist has to be cautious to guard against incitement.

He further decried those in the forefront to destabilize this country to “think twice” as any out break of war will tell on the country’s territorial integrity.

He said as citizens we must avoid tendencies of sentiment and the rise of ethnic agenda as he said, “ethnicity has taken over today as we promote our individual ethnicities than building bridges of peace. This is the biggest problem.”! He said.

On Peace building, he said the purpose of the media is not only to report but to give an accurate account of events so as to encourage and promote peace.

He said the power of God is always demonstrated when we seek His face. He said sensational reportage always inflame tension, conflict and insecurity. He said as religious leaders and journalists we all have the role to play when it comes to peace building.

He urged journalists to be the guide of the citizens on the critical roles they have to play in fostering peace.

The Pastor in-charge of COCIN RCC Gigiring, Rev. Williams Istifanus, also charged journalists to fight injustice, disunity and nepotism through professional reporting.

He described journalists as gospel proclaimers through the media, because citizens are informed and educated through media.

“Don’t be silent at a time of trouble, it can salvage the people.

“Use your weapon of journalism to unite the people rather than cause disaffection. Journalism can change the negativity happening in Nigeria,” he stated.

Confirming the importance of journalists in the society, Plateau State Governor Barr. Simon Lalong, represented by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Slyvanus Tagun, told the church that journalists on the Plateau have portrayed the state in good light; therefore, need to be appreciated.

Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondent’s Chapel in Plateau state, Mr Gyang Bere, said the significance of the Thanksgiving is to appreciate God for His grace, in protecting members from harm in the cause carrying out their responsibility as journalists.

He encouraged journalists to practice the profession within its ethics.

A brand new Sharon bus which was recently purchased by the Correspondent’s Chapel was dedicated to God’s glory after the church service by Deputy General Secretary of COCIN Rev. Dauda Jimra.