Journalists have been identified as being in a unique position of playing key roles of ensuring peace and unity, as well as preventing Nigeria from disintegrating.
According to a statement signed by his Publicity Secretary, Jacob Onjewu Dickson, popular Kaduna-based Christian cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru, re-echoed this when the Guild of Online Journalists paid him a courtesy call at his residence at the weekend.
Buru said journalists were powerful and if their influence was channeled into positive messages that seek to unite, while focusing on their social responsibility, the country would be better off.
“Journalists are powerful and influence the society, hence their welfare should be given priority by the government and individuals whom they work for,” he added.
The cleric, renowned for being a peace builder between Christians and Muslims, attributed successes he has recorded to good relationship he has built with journalists that has seen to his activities being reported on local and international media.
Buru explained that such publicity has earned him recognition and invitations to speak on peace building at international summits.
He said: “Journalists took me to where I am today.
“Journalists are very important to the society, but I feel bad when they are killed while doing their job.”
While commending the Guild of Online Journalists for starting what he described as a unique group, Buru assured them of his support in ensuring they meet their aspirations.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Guild of Online Journalists, Amos Mathew, explained that the group was founded by practicing journalists of like minds, using the new media in taking the profession to enviable heights.
Mathew said: “We are non religious, non partisan and borderless. We are not restricted to any region or geographical location, but our publications are read the world over.
“One advantage we can boast of is the instant hit we make when we publish news stories.
“We reach the nooks and crannies in all parts of the world within minutes, via the internet.”
Those in the entourage on the visit included the Vice Chairman, Ibrahim Danfulani; Secretary, Abdulwaheed Adubi; Publicity Secretary, Jacob Onjewu Dickson; and ex officio members, Ibrahim Ammani and Bashir Bello Dollars.
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