President of Journalists for Christ International Outreach, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin has said that patience and meekness are relevant requirements for nation-building.

He stated this at the first Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter Easter get-together, held in Ikeja on Easter Monday, during which he urged journalists to be reference point of the peace they preach in terms of religion in the country.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Essence of Easter and National Building,’ Otufodunrin, who is also the Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, said journalists often miss the essence of their roles when it comes to reporting religion.

 “Meekness and sacrifice are important in nation building. As we mark Easter, we must have the consciousness that we have responsibility to build our nation as journalists,” Otufodunrin stated.

He added that journalists can ensure development of the country through promoting love, sacrifice, perseverance, peace and unity which are criteria for nation building.

He also said it is important for journalists to hold fast to the creeds of Christianity, because as God gave us Jesus, the purpose should not be lost in the place of merriment.  He also enjoined journalists not to bear false witness in their reports.

Referring to the Easter messages by Governors in the newspapers, Otuforunrin, former Online Editor at the Nation newspaper wondered if Nigerian leaders know what they are calling for when they urge the citizens  to emulate examples laid down by Jesus Christ. “Nigerian leaders should also sacrifice and know the right thing to do,” he said.

Noting that some journalists are going through hard times due to the depression in the industry, Otufodunrin, urged members of the union to reach out to those affected by the challenges in the spirit of Easter .

“ It will be good for journalists to be their bothers’ keepers.  Even if you can’t provide all the needs for your fellow journalists, remember your colleagues who have not been seeing and reach out to them”

In his own remarks, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the NUJ, Dr. Quasim Akinreti, said, the purpose of the maiden edition of the Easter celebration is to share the love exemplified by Jesus Christ and called on the NUJ executives to be accountable for any position they hold.

According to him, “There should be no religious conflict in this country. We should not be seen as doing something that is detrimental to either Christianity and Islamic religion.”