Clergyman urges journalists to practise ’empathetic journalism’
A clergyman and chaplain of St. Bernard Army Chaplaincy, Ibagwa, Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Father Christian Usungurua, has called on journalists to embrace what he calls, “empathetic journalism”, as a means of building a better society.
Usungurua made the call Sunday, 12 January 2025, at St. John Pro-Cathedral, Abak Parish, Abak Town, while preaching during a Thanksgiving Service held in honour of the immediate-past deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo.
For the Rev Father, empathetic journalism indicates that journalists, especially those of them on the social media, would, “Report from scenes” of events exactly what they see.
He expressed discomfort over the rising tide of fake and negative news reports that give the impression that, “There is nothing good about us”, or that every wealthy person is a thief.
The clergyman urged journalists to stay with the truth in their reportage, reasoning that this would help the country to stand strong.
He commended the celebrator for his impressive achievements in the areas of journalism, public relations, diplomacy, politics and community service, recalling
that “for reporting the obvious”, the former deputy governor was detained for 30 months during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 – 1970.
He commended those “who still have hope in Nigeria” and called for unity among the various ethnic nations in the country.
Usungurua called on political leaders to know first hand the challenges their citizens are facing so as to be able to engage them productively.
Mr Moses Ekpo said that he was thanking God for various and numerous blessings He has bestowed on him over time, vowing that he would for ever appreciate God for being good to him.
He apologised that he did not invite the state government to the event and urged his invited friends at the event to share with him in his joy.
As a token of his gratitude for God’s blessings on him, the multiply decorated journalism and public relations icon, made a donation of five million towards the church building project, and urged his guests to also assist in the work.
Paying tribute to Mr. Ekpo, a former International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Dr. Godwin Ntukude, described himself as “a student of the former deputy governor.”
Ntukude said that for Mr Ekpo to have served as deputy governor for eight uninterrupted years, then he is a man of deep patience, resilience, humility, and steadfastness, explaining that such virtues informed his interest in studying the celebrator, who is a holder of Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, national honour.
More than seven million naira (₦7 million) was raised for the church building project.
Among attendees at the event were 115-year-old Chief Michael Akpan Afangide; Obong Blaise Afahama (Itai Afe Anang); Prof. Anthonia Essien; Dep. VC, Uniuyo; Dr. Godwin Ntukude and wife; Mr. Patrick Udomfang; former Information Commissioner Mrs Christy Obot; Hon. Aniekan Umanah and wife; and Mr. Ufot of SO&U Advertising firm, Lagos.
