The newly elected executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ in Enugu State have been urged to restore journalistic integrity, prioritizing truth-telling and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The call was made during a dedication service held at the NUJ Press Center Enugu, to usher in members of new executive of the council barely 12 days after their election.

In a sermon on the title “journalists, the prophet of the society” the officiating priest, Rev. Father Jude Nnaemeka Ndubuisi, encouraged journalists to endeavour to speak the truth, emphasizing the power of the pen.

“Prophets always speak the truth. The tripartite power of the prophet as journalists includes priesthood power, anointing of the prophetic auction, and dominion power of the pen.”

He stressed that the pen, which is generally believed to be mightier than the sword, should be positioned to truth-telling at all times.

“See yourselves as a prophet called to speak the truth in every report you write. Your pen should always speak the truth. Prophets speak oracle utterances. You cannot change the world, but you can change the circumstances behind every situation.

“Many of us are slaves because we refuse to speak the truth. God called you to this honorable position and duty, so I am encouraging you to remain focused in the discharge of your professional duties.

Speaking of the need to forgive one another, the priest concluded by saying, “In this life, many people will hurt you, but you have to forgive them at all times so that your Father in Heaven will continue to forgive your sins.”

Members of the executive and others in attendance were anointed during the service which featured the dedication of all offices with anointing oil.

In a reaction, the new chairman of NUJ Enugu State Council and Manager News at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN), Enugu National Station, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, thanked the Minister who, despite his tight schedule, honored the invitation and performed the spiritual tasks around and within the premises.

“Father, we thank you immensely. We are very happy with the prayers you made on our behalf. I want to appreciate every other person who answered this short notice. I pray to God to continue to keep you safe in all endeavours.”

The service featured anointing of offices with holy oil and sprinkling of holy water, symbolizing spiritual guidance for the new leadership.

Meanwhile, the election that produced the new members of the executive was initially scheduled in March 2025, but was stalled following disputes over the composition of the electoral committee and alleged irregularities in the list of delegates from different chapels. The incident no doubt lead to the appointment of a caretaker committee with Comrade Agatha Ngozi Agu, as chairman.

After three months, the caretaker committee handed over to the new executive led by Comrade Obinna Ogbuka who succeeded Comrade Sam Udekwe of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) as chairman of the council.