Cross section of members of Federated Correspondent’s Chapel in Rivers State at the St.Thomas Anglican Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The vital need for Journalists to show gratitude to God for His protection as they practice their profession in a highly volatile state like Rivers State was harped on today, Sunday April 7, as members of Federated Correspondent’s Chapel of the Rivers Chapter of Nigerian Union of Journalists and families had their annual thanksgiving service at St Thomas Anglican, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
The Curate of the St Thomas Anglican Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rev’d Canon Simeon Okereafor made this remark during the thanksgiving of the Federated Correspondent’s Chapel, NUJ, led by its Chairman, Sir Ernest Chinwo, of Thisday newspapers.
Chinwo stated that it has become customary for the Federated Correspondent’s, who are mainly made up of Journalists whose media houses are not based in Rivers State to always thank God for mercies and protection as they practice their profession of informing ,educating and entertaining the public.
The Chairman who was accompanied to the altar by his colleagues pointed out that the thanksgiving for this year is unique because in spite of the challenges faced by members during the coverage of Political campaigns and rancorous Presidential, National Assembly and Governorship elections in the state no member died.
Some Journalists were attacked and kidnapped by armed thugs in military uniforms, but later released unconditionally.
It would be recalled that during Presidential campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Adokiye Amasiemeka stadium on Tuesday, February 12, where there was stampede that led to the deaths and injury of scores APC supporters, many members of Federated Chapel at the stadium escaped unhurt.