The influx of quacks in the journalism profession has been described as “a serious setback in the smooth operation of the noble profession as the fourth estate of the realm.”

A clergyman, Archbishop Emmanuel Udofia (JP), gave the charge on Sunday in a sermon to mark the 2015 Thanksgiving and Re-dedication Church Service organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, held at Methodist Church, Nigeria, Idung Ekaiko, Etebi Circuit in Esit Eket Local Government Area.

Archbishop Udofia enjoined the leadership of the NUJ in the state to “be courageous enough” to flush out the unprofessional elements infiltrating the system “because they are not called.” He declared that “when you are not called, you are not equipped.”

The first scriptural lesson at the service was taken from 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and read by the state chairman of the NUJ, Elder Patrick Albert. The Epistle lesson taken from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 was read by the Executive Chairman of Esit Eket L.G.A, Deacon Ibanga Etang, while the Gospel lesson was taken from John 1:48-51 and read by Archbishop Udofia himself.

The clergyman stressed that the quacks are bound to be corrupt as they go about parading themselves as journalists and soliciting for cheap and undeserved rewards, thereby tarnishing the image and reputation of the noble profession.

“The fake ones who parade themselves as journalists are those that went to the institution campuses and joined cults, only to drop out half-way and go about as journalists, even if they were not admitted to read any of the journalism-related courses, because they perceived that it is the cheapest profession,” he remarked.

Archbishop Udofia, who is the Methodist Archbishop of Uyo, advised journalists to put their trust in God, noting: “Anything you trust in the hands of God cannot be the same again.” He enjoined journalists to join hands in the teaching of the Holy Bible to the youths, noting: “You can do better in that direction as trained journalists.”

The Archbishop stated that the Christian population in Akwa Ibom State “is presently put at 99.5” adherents.

In his remarks, Akwa Ibom NUJ Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, described the sermon as “ethics” and counseled the practising journalists to “play according to the code and rules” so that “we can jealously safeguard the ethical standard of the profession.”

He announced that the state council of the NUJ had, last year, established a chaplaincy in the union, as well as a formidable choir group which also rendered spiritual songs to the glory of God at the service.

Elder Albert also presented an “Award of Excellence” to Dr. Otuekong Ukut at the occasion, “for expertly championing the inspiring Methodist Radio programme, ‘Methodist Legacy’.”

News Express reports that the first ever edition of the Thanksgiving Service was held in Uyo in 2013, for Uyo Senatorial District. The second edition took place at the Rapture Trust Ministry, Ikot Akpa Nkuk in Ukanafun LGA for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, while this last one was taken to Idung Ekiko Methodist Church, Nigeria in Esit Eket LGA for Eket Senatorial District, thereby completing the union’s rotational arrangement across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

•Photo shows Archbishop Udofia.

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