Identifying prime place of Christian news publishers in national development
The role of the media in providing especially information and education is very crucial to the wellbeing and development of any society. The public needs to be constantly provided with necessary information about various happenings at all levels and also educated about issues to help them in taking crucial decisions about their daily lives.
Beyond informing and educating, the media also has the role of holding the government and other authorities accountable to the people. In a democratic dispensation like we have in our country, the media being the fourth estate of the realm is crucial to it success.
The President of Journalists for Christ and Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, speaking at the maiden public lecture of the Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) and the inauguration of the body’s new executive held in Lagos recently with the theme: “Christian News Reporting: The Prospects and National Development, identified the prime place of Christian news in national development and commended the efforts of the Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) in this regard.
The event which took place in Lagos at the premises of Christ LivingSpring Apostolic Ministry, Ikeja was hosted and supported by the General Overseer, Pastor Wole Oladiyun also attracted players in the Christian media industry and other public spirited participants.
The event was Chaired by a renowned and well respected journalist and human rights activist, Mr. Richard Akinola represented by the Editor-in-Chief of Gavel, Mr. Mustapha Ogunshakin.
While calling on CPAN members to give more attention to the publication of Christian news, he said “If we as Christian magazine publishers don’t give enough atfention to publishing Christian News, nobody will. We have a duty to constantly amplify the various messages of hope an peace from the pulpit in a way the secular media must not. It used to be that we had major national Christian magazines, that is not the case now. We need national Christian publications that has wide readership.
“Publication of Christian News will contribute to national development when we highlight issues that can unite us as a country and not divide us. It will be when we offer arrays of Christian perspective on various matters arising in the country.
“Once again, l want to commend you all for yielding to the tough task of Christian publishing which in most cases is not for profit, but for the propagation of the gospel. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to strengthen you and provide what you need to keep reporting Christian News
Tracing the origin of the print Media in Nigeria which he said dates back to 1859 when lwe Iroyin was published in Abeokuta by Christian missionanes, he explained “I do not recall my lecturers in Mass Communication m University of Lagos saying anything about Chnstian news reporting.
“What we learnt was the definition of news jocularly said to be when man bites a dog and not when dog bites a man and what was involved in news gathering and wnung
Like we have all found out there are more to what we learnt im the four walls of the University. We have since come to terms that there ts indeed Christan News Reporting and there are publishers like members of CPAN who are committed to reporting Christian events and issues.
“Christian News Reporting can be said to be reporting the good news of the gospel and any other Christian religious activities and programmes. It can also be reporting secular issues from Christian perspectives,” he said
“Just like the secular press have blossomed over the years,” Mr. Otufodunrin added, noting that “Christian press has also grown with newspapers, magazines, journals and broadcast stations reporting news and issues.”
Despite various challenges , I want to commend publishers like all of you in CPAN who have remained faithful to publishing Christian news.
While commending CPAC for remaining committed to continued publication of Christian news, Mr Otufodunrin stated that “While the secular media covers Christian news, so many things happen in the Christian circles that they do not have space or airtime for. When they do, they charge an amount of money that only few Christian organizations or corporate organizations can afford to get publicity for their events.
“There are also concerns about what the secular media reports about Christianity. Some seem to specialise in portraying Christianity in bad light with reports of all kinds of misdemeanors by some socalled Pastors. Churches and other Christian organizations are definitely doing much more than are being reported .
The former online Editor of the Nation Newspaper commended the the enormous contribution of the Church to the nation’s development. “What cannot be denied is that the Nigerian Church has contributed a lot to the development of the country, but not enough credit is being given to them. There is the impression for example that Pentecostal Churches are only about prosperity preaching, but this is not true.
Mr Otufodunrin who changed CPAN members to improve the visibility and accessibility noted, “To ensure wider reach, our publications should not only be in English language but languages more accessible to Christians across the country . We will need to go beyond reporting only Christian news in urban areas, but going to rural communities, mission field and other sources of Christian news
“Issues of persecution in the Norther parts of the country are not also receiving adequate coverage. Given the lack of adequate reporting of Christian news, there is need for more and nationwide reporting of Christian issues in all ramifications. There is indeed prospects for Christian news publishing on all available multimedia platforms,” he advised
He added, “At a time when the cost of printing is making it almost unaffordable to continue publishing Christian magazines and newspapers, online publishing must be explored based on understanding of the digital knowledge required to make maximum impact.
“I am glad to note that most, if not all of CPAN members, now have functional websites and I want to urge you to stepup what you have been doing online. The advantage you have online is that unlike when some normally publish monthly, you can publish not only daily, but in real time as news is breaking. God’s commandment is that we should occupy till He comes and the digital platforms are also part of what we need to occupy to take the good news to the end of the earth.”
Earlier, Mr. Akinnola, whose speech was delivered by Mr. Ogunshakin said it was great to note that a body of Christian publishers is in existence.
He pointed out that the body needs to spread its tentacles to the nooks and crannies of the Church.
He said the need for such body cannot be overemphasised while also stressing that CPAN should live according to its billing.
“You are Christian publishers. It is expected that you will show a lot of decorum in the business of reporting. We are in the era of fake news; you should be different. There is a need for you to take great pain in verifying your news sources and also ensure that you report what is factual irrespective of whose ox is gored.”
In his remark, the CPAN President, Mr. Gracious Akintayo who thanked members of the association for the confidence reposed in him to lead and direct the affairs of the association, promised to be a servant leader with transparency in running of the association.
He assured that he would abide by the constitution of the association and ensure
that the Church gets maximum benefit from the association.
The well attended inauguration had Rev. Prince Obed Ezeonye, Pastor ThankGod Onyia (Facilitator and Administrator of DD Platform), Pastor Joseph Nwadubasim and Evang. (Mrs.) Divine (representing spiritual mother of the day, Bishop (Mrs.) Grace Chioma Dauji), Chief Oluremi Akinrodoye, Mr. Sunday Oguntola (Online Editor, Nation Newspaper), Barr. Olatayo Beckley among others in attendance.
Highlight of the event was the swearing-in of the newly elected president of the association, Mr. Gracious Akintayo, with other members of the CPAN executive for a period of two years.
