By Sulaymon Ruqoya
August 19th 2024
A clergyman, Rev. Mathew Odoh, has urged journalists to act as intermediaries between the people and the government. He called on them to commit themselves to truth and uphold the highest ethical standards of their profession.
Rev. Odoh, of the United Evangelical Church (UEC) in Lokoja, made these remarks on Sunday during a church service held as part of the 2024 Press Week organized by the Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Emphasizing the hardships faced by many Nigerians, Rev. Odoh prayed for God’s protection over media professionals and encouraged them to remain diligent, truthful, and resilient in their work.
He stated, “Journalists are like middle men. You are like the Biblical Moses. You hear from the people and relate to the government about our cries. You are standing between the government and people. Tell us rightly what the government is saying.”He continued, “Also hear from us and tell them what we are saying and what our problems are. Presently, as citizens, we are hungry. We need light. The cost of electricity tariff is too high. We need jobs for our children. Let the government address issues around the economy and let us have money in our pockets. Nigerians are suffering.”
Rev. Odoh prayed for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, asking God to give him the strength to address the challenges facing the country, noting that Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of living. “There is so much of maladministration. We are not smiling. Let the government at all levels do what is needful. We beg you as journalists to tell the government that Nigerians are not smiling, they need a breath of fresh air,” he said.
The clergyman also acknowledged the risks associated with the journalism profession but expressed hope that with professionalism and balanced reporting, journalists can ensure their safety.
He praised Kogi journalists for their professionalism and unbiased reporting, emphasizing that a thriving democracy and a better society are only possible when journalists operate in a supportive environment.
Earlier in the service, Comrade Oluwasegun Oyenibi, Secretary of the Kogi State chapter of the NUJ, explained that the church service was part of the 2024 Press Week, aimed at thanking God for His preservation and seeking His continued protection for their members.