By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has called on journalists to put God first by constantly praying as they perform their job as media practitioners.
Bishop Ezeokafor, stated this while delivering a homily during a Concelebrated Eucharistic Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, organised for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, Anambra State Chapter, the thanksgiving mass of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), last Sunday.
The thanksgiving was in line with the directive of the National Executive Committee of SWAN for a nationwide rededication of the association to God ahead of the 60th Anniversary and Award Ceremony in Anambra.
Bishop Ezeokafor who was represented by Rev. Fr. Eugene Ejiofor, said prayer was important for them to effectively do their job to the glory of God and good of humanity, as well as their ability to inspire the desired change in society.
He congratulated SWAN for attaining the age of 60 as a body and finding it necessary to thank God while urging members to continue to discharge their duties with the fear of God.
The priest prayed that the diamond jubilee and award ceremony scheduled for October 29 to 31 would be a success and prayed for journey Mercies for all those who would travel for the event.
Members of SWAN, Anambra were led to the thanksgiving by Chimezie Anaso and Uche Ndeke, the Chairman and Secretary of the Chapter.
Others include Ikem Asika; Chigozie Chukwuleta, Vice President; former Vice President of SWAN, Southeast, Tony Oji, who is also the immediate past Chairman, Anambra SWAN; Chukwuka Ugokwe, former secretary; Daniel Ukpai, former Chairman; Marvelous Ezenwa and Ifeanyi Okonkwo.
Chief Emmanuel Ilozue, Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel; Mrs Joy Mbachi, State Correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Anambra; and Prof. Chris Abakare were some dignitaries who joined in the thanksgiving.
