NUJ Lagos Correspondents’ Chapel Ends 2025 Press Week with Thanksgiving Service

The Lagos Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Sunday concluded its 2025 Press Week with a thanksgiving service at United Evangelical Church, Ojuelegba, where journalists, faith leaders, and community members gathered to celebrate the successful week-long programme.

The service featured a powerful sermon delivered by Bishop I.S. Ikiddeh, who spoke on the theme “The Church”. His message stressed the role of divine revelation in truly knowing Jesus Christ, the foundation of Christian faith, and urged journalists to seek God’s guidance in navigating professional challenges.

Bishop Ikiddeh’s Message: “The Church is Built on Christ”

Bishop Ikiddeh’s sermon centred on the idea that knowing Christ requires the help of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop I.S. Ikkiddeh during the sermon on Sunday.

“You cannot truly know Jesus without the Holy Spirit’s revelation,” he said, adding that Jesus’ mission was misunderstood by many who expected a political king, not a Savior.

He reminded the congregation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, whose mission was to save humanity from sin through the cross.

Highlighting Peter’s confession of Christ, the Bishop emphasized the importance of personal revelation:

“We shouldn’t just follow what others say – we need our own revelation of who Jesus is.”

The sermon also stressed transformation through the Holy Spirit. Citing Peter’s boldness after Pentecost, he said:

“The Holy Spirit removes fear and intimidation. It empowers believers to witness Christ without compromise.”

Bishop Ikiddeh concluded that the church is not a physical building but the body of Christ, made up of all believers united by one Spirit. He further underscored inclusivity, declaring:

“The church has no distinction based on race, power, or social status. All true believers belong to this one body, whether Greek, white, black, or short.”

Call to Pray for Journalists

In a special prayer session, Bishop Ikiddeh called on the church to continually intercede for journalists in Nigeria.

“So many things have been happening to journalists. They need God’s protection, wisdom, and courage to continue their work,” he said.

He highlighted the growing risks journalists face, particularly in the era of misinformation and political pressure, urging the congregation to support the press with both prayers and encouragement.

NUJ Chapel Presents Award to United Evangelical Church

L-R: Chairman Planning Committee, Joshua Uloko, Deacon Tony Ukpe, Asst. Church Secretary and Com.Abraham Akpan during the presentation of award plaque and magazine to the church

The thanksgiving also featured an award presentation by the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel to the United Evangelical Church in recognition of its support.

Comrade Joshua Uloko, Chairman of the 2025 Press Week Planning Committee, led the presentation, while Deacon Tony, Assistant Church Secretary, received the award on behalf of the church leadership.

Expressing gratitude, Deacon Tony Ukpe said the church was honoured to be recognised and pledged continued prayers for journalists.

Closing the Week of Reflection and Advocacy

Cross -Section of NUJ Correspondent’s Chapel Members.

This year’s NUJ Press Week opened with a symposium on child abuse titled “Silent Cries: Uncovering the Deep-Rooted Crisis of Child Abuse in Nigeria and the Role of the Media in Breaking the Cycle”. The closing thanksgiving service provided a moment of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the union’s mission.

Chapel Chairman, Comrade Abraham Akpan, described the thanksgiving as both symbolic and necessary.

“We believe in giving thanks to God after every milestone. This thanksgiving reminds us that as journalists, we need both professional skill and divine covering to uphold truth in an era of widespread misinformation,” he said.