Journalists in the Country have been described as the bridge between the people and those in positions of authority
Rev. Mathew Odoh of the Evangelical Church Lokoja, stated this at a church service for Journalists, as part of activities to mark the 2024 Kogi NUJ Press Week.
Rev. Odoh who likened Journalists to the Biblical Moses, described Journalists as the Moses of the present generation, asked them to serve as worthy middle men between the Government and the people in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The clergyman called on Journalists in the country to be diligent and courageous in the discharge of their duties by relating well the activities of government to the people while also listening to the cry of the people towards informing the Government of what the people want.
“Journalists are like Middle men. You are like the Biblical Moses. You hear from the people and relate to government about our cries. You are standing between the Government and the people. Tell us rightly what the Government is saying. 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”, the Clergy man said.
The Clergy man prayed for God to strengthen President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to do what is needful, pointing out that Nigerians are no longer finding cost of living easy.
” There is so much of problem in the land. 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”.
Rev. Odoh prayed God to preserve all working Journalists in the country, described the Journalism profession as one with great risks, but however expressed optimism that with professionalism and balanced reportage, the safety of journalists are guaranteed.
He commended Kogi journalists for their sense of professionalism and unbiased reportage, pointing out that the only way democracy and a better society can thrive is when Journalists operate in an enabling environment.
Earlier, the Secretary, Kogi State NUJ, Comr. Oluwasegun Oyenibi, said the church service, was part of the NUJ 2024 Press Week, geared towards thanking God for preservation and seek for his protection for working Journalists in the new calendar Year of the NUJ.
