Rev. Fr. Eugene Ejiofor has urged journalists to put God first in the course of their professional responsibilities by embracing constant prayer.
He made the call during a thanksgiving Mass organised by the Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, on Sunday.
The service was held in compliance with a directive from the National Executive Committee of SWAN for a nationwide rededication of the association to God ahead of its 60th Anniversary and Award Ceremony scheduled for October 29–31 in Abuja. A special Jumat prayer had earlier been held in mosques across the country for the same purpose.
Rev. Fr. Ejiofor stressed the importance of prayer in enabling journalists to carry out their work to the glory of God, contribute to humanity and inspire positive change in society.
He commended SWAN for reaching its 60th anniversary and for choosing to give thanks to God, urging its members to continue discharging their duties with integrity and the fear of God.
The priest also prayed for the success of the diamond jubilee celebrations and asked God to grant safe travels to all those attending the event.
Leading the Anambra delegation were the state chairman of SWAN, Chimezie Anaso, and the secretary, Uche Ndeke.
In a brief remark, Anaso said members attended not only in obedience to the national directive but also to seek God’s grace and protection. He thanked members for their participation and reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to promoting sports and supporting youth development through responsible journalism.
Dignitaries present at the thanksgiving included SWAN National Vice President Ikemba Asika Chigozie Chukwuleta, former South-East Vice President Tony Oji, immediate past state chairman Chukwuka Ugokwe, former secretary Daniel Ukpai, former chairman Marvelous Ezenwa and Ifeanyi Okonkwo.
Others included Emmanuel Ilozue, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel; Mrs Joy Mbachi, Anambra Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); and Prof. Chris Abakare.
