By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye,
National President, Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Mr. Patrick Osu has appealed to journalists all over to promote stories that will bring peace, love and harmony to the society and the world at large.
Mr. Osu made the appeal in a release he signed alongside the National Secretary of the Association, Mr Peter Dada, during the 54th World Communications Day celebration, on Sunday, May 24.
“We should promote, disseminate and propagate stories that will bring peace, love, and harmony to the world and our various societies.
“We must guide against fake news or scandalous stories that will make us lose our integrity and dignity either in the church or in the society,” the national president said, adding that “When we are in doubt about the genuineness of any story, let us clarify them from reliable sources, balance such before publishing”.
Mr Osu however appealed to fellow journalist never to hesitate to drop stories if they doubt the authenticity of the source(s).
The National President urged media men to be guided by the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis as they go about discharging their duties as journalists.
Mr Osu encourage journalists to hold onto Jesus Christ for their survival, even as he predicted that they are likely to be subjected to temptations from various quarters, especially this period of lock down, and the non-payment of salaries facing they are facing.
Encouraging journalists to keep safe and follow various directives from the government and healthcare agencies aimed at combating the further spread of coronavirus pandemic, he told journalists that only those who returned home safely after the war that will be able to narrate their experiences at the war front.
He stressed that all the measures giving by the FG and medical experts are geared towards survivals.
He prayed God to grant those who had died as a result of the pandemic an eternal rest and also grant their families the courage to bear the irreparable loss.
On his part, the president of SIGNIS Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr Patrick Alumuku also urged CAMPAN members to tell their stories of faith with more vigor and enthusiasm, despite the limitations of our physical interactions occasioned by COVID-19 following the encouragements of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
“In the midst of our daily challenges, particularly during this period of global upheaval, the Holy Father reminds us as communicators not to be deterred, but to continue to spread the story of the Good News to all men and women of all races; the story of God’s saving grace for the benefit of all, particularly our children and grandchildren so that they may be well rooted and better informed of the way to true happiness as they chart the course of their lives.
With this years’ experience, we continue to pray for a quick end to this COVID 19 pandemic so that we can resume fully our daily chores. We also pray that the Good Lord will strengthen us and imbue within us the much needed vigor to always be willing vessels of His Spirit,” the clergy said