Ondo NUJ begins 2025 Press Week with thanksgiving

By Precious Oluwole

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, on Sunday flagged off activities for the 2025 Press Week with a thanksgiving service, as members converged to appreciate God’s grace and seek divine direction for the year ahead.

The service, which took place at Favoured Generation Prophetic Mission, Akure, recorded a large turnout of union members.

In a homily titled Thanking God for His Goodness, Pastor Tolu Olujuola emphasised the significance of gratitude regardless of life’s circumstances. Citing Psalm 100, he described thanksgiving as a spiritual expression of appreciation that affirms God’s faithfulness.

According to him, God has remained steadfast to humanity, noting that His love is genuine and unwavering.

He explained that thanksgiving is essential in acknowledging God’s role in creation, salvation, forgiveness of sins and the restoration of mankind to Himself.

While thanking God for His grace upon journalists, Pastor Olujuola commended the NUJ for commencing its Press Week activities with thanksgiving and lauded journalists for their contributions to societal development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of members, stating that no member of the union had died since he assumed office four years ago.

“It is not by our doing but by the mercy and grace of Almighty God. We thank God for the gift of life, the progress of our members and the steady growth of the union,” he said.

Adegbite urged members to continue to uphold the unity and love that have defined the union in the last four years.

He also appreciated the Minister of Youth, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, for his intervention at the Press Centre, describing the efforts as innovative and impactful.

“He is not the first minister since 1999, but God has used him in a special way to intervene. God will help him fulfil his promises to us,” he said.

The NUJ chairman further commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his consistent support for journalists in the state and the Press Centre.

He described the media as the heartbeat of society and the oxygen of democracy, stressing the need for journalists to receive adequate support and protection.