Protect the integrity of your noble profession...Cleric charges Journalists

Journalists have been charged to ensure that their reports does not lead to scandal, contempt or conflict but should prioritise peace and mutual edification.

The coordinating Overseer, South-South of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Pious Idume,gave the advice Monday, while delivering a paper, titled, "Fact Checking as a Tool for Nation Building", at the 2026 United Nations World Press Freedom Day, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Rivers State Council, in Port Harcourt.

Pastor Pious Idume, who is also the Rivers State (Central) Overseer of the Church called on journalists to cross check their information on any issue to determine the validity and accuracy of a statement or information before circulating it.

Pastor Idume said, journalists as craftsmen, should be in the forefront of building a peaceful, just and egalitarian society.

He averred that the stories they publish should be pungent, piercing, persuasive, prompting and propelling people to act positively.

The cleric also noted that the purpose of fact - checking was to avoid indulging in what would lead to chaos in the society but fosters harmonious relationship, peace, trust and mutual respect, which makes journalism a responsible profession.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Honourable Ogbonnia Nwuke, a seasoned journalist and former Commissioner of Information and Communication in Rivers State, said the journalists should also fact - check and balance their stories by reporting the views of all sides involved in the story.


The Key Note Speaker, Professor Christopher Ochonogor,, in his speech said Reporters should embrace developmental journalism, with the view to promoting peace and goodwill in the society.