On August 20, the President of Journalists for Christ, Lekan Otufodunrin spoke on the above topic at the monthly Fellowship in Lagos. Below are the excerpts from what he shared at the meeting.

You are not in the media by mistake. You may think you are, but the almighty God who knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb knows what you will be.

God has a purpose for you in the media that you must fulfil. Whatever your hands find to do, do it with your heart. Even if you desire to move on to some other things, while you are a journalist, put in your best to learn what will be useful for you in other endeavours.

You must be prayerfully and commit everything you do to God. It would be better if you had spiritual covering against the hazards of the job.

Remember you are an ambassador for Christ in the profession. Let your light so shine, that men will see your excellent work and give glory to your father who is in heaven.

Excellence must be your watchword. You cannot afford to be associated with what is not excellent.

You must have a mission statement and career plans with timelines.

You must be purpose-driven.

There will be challenges like in other professions. There are miserable Doctors, Frustrated bankers etc

Be very good in any assignment and trust God to prosper you.

*Take internship opportunities seriously and volunteer to get the necessary experience.

There are ethics of the profession and higher Biblical commandments that should guide you.

There are opportunities including training, conferences and awards.

There are many top-flight non-mass communication graduates excelling in the profession.

Don’t be scared about negative stories about the profession. You can succeed where others fail.

Let God lead you in the career decisions you take. Don’t move without a go-ahead from God.

Read widely, including about journalists you want to be like. Avoid career mistakes those ahead of you made.

Privilege to impact lives and make the world a better place.

Journalism is not only a prestigious profession but a Very Necessary one.