The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has commenced activities for its 2026 Press Week with a thanksgiving service, while celebrating the three-year achievements of its State. Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi.
Speaking at the service held at First Baptist Church (Miracle Cathedral), Ado-Ekiti, Babatuyi said the thanksgiving marked the beginning of activities lined up for the 2026 Press Week and provided an opportunity to appreciate God for preserving journalists despite the risks associated with the profession.
He described the past three years of his administration as a period of remarkable impact and unprecedented achievements in the history of the union.
The chairman expressed gratitude that no member of the council had lost his or her life in the course of professional duties within the period, describing the development as a significant reason to give thanks to God..
He, however, charged journalists to uphold integrity, discipline and professional ethics, warning against sensationalism and the spread of fake news.
“Journalists should continue to uphold integrity and discipline and carry out their duties in line with the ethics of the profession. Sensationalising fake news is not part of our profession, and we will not engage in it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Olukayode Ayinde, described journalists as the voice of the voiceless, revealing that journalism was his childhood dream before he received the divine call into ministry.
Ayinde, who disclosed that he had received several awards in the year, said the recognition from the NUJ was particularly special to him because of his longstanding passion for the journalism profession.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the cleric expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges and experience a positive turnaround, urging citizens to remain hopeful, trust in God and desist from making negative declarations about the country.
He described Nigeria as the only country available to its citizens, stressing that continuous pessimism would not provide solutions to the nation’s challenges.
According to him, Nigeria would not remain in its present condition forever, expressing confidence that the country would witness positive transformation, particularly as it approaches the 2027 general elections.
