“Pastor Akanmu Encourages Christian Journalists to Promote Positive Narratives for Nigeria’s Image Enhancement”
The Regional Superintendent of Odubanjo Region for Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu has urged Christian journalists to play a pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria’s image through the dissemination of positive narratives so as to facilitate increased foreign business opportunities.
Pastor Akanmu made this urge during the First Retreat of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) at the Government House Chapel in Agodi, Ibadan.
He emphasized the importance of Christian journalists focusing on highlighting the positive aspects of the country, rather than exposing its issues to the world stressing that airing the country’s “dirty laundry” domestically could hinder its growth and development, making it essential to showcase its strengths for international support.
In his presentation titled “The Role of Christian Journalists in Ensuring National Peaceful Coexistence,” Pastor Akanmu outlined the challenges facing Nigeria, including a weak economy, insecurity, social problems such as drug and human trafficking, cultism, drug abuse, communal and ethnic conflicts, religious intolerance, and various societal vices.
He urged Christian journalists to adopt developmental journalism, which aims to contribute to the social, economic, and cultural betterment of society by reporting and analyzing policies, events, and trends that impact societal development.
In a similar vein, the Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Colonel Joshua Akinyemiju, Rtd, has also encouraged Christian journalists to act as “Soldiers of Christ” and fearlessly advocate for the voiceless.
He also urged them to explore the distinctive attributes of different churches within the body of Christ and connect their members for spiritual growth and development.
Apostle Colonel Akinyemiju commended the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) for promoting church activities and programs that had previously lacked publicity.
Meanwhile, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Pastor Layi Adisa, expressed satisfaction with NACJ’s efforts to present Christians and their activities in a positive light, he cautioned them against sensational reporting and financial inducements, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in their work.
Comrade Lekan Shobowale, Chairman of NACJ in Oyo State, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the association’s determination to uphold journalistic ethics, ensuring fairness and objective reporting while promoting Christian activities, programs, and events in the State and beyond.
Dignitaries in attendance included Pastor Muyiwa Bangbose of the Vine Branch Church, Deputy Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Pastor Emmanuel Akanmu, and Reverend Niyi Dahunsi, Deputy Director of Programmes at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station.
