Tuesday, 20 December 2022, was glamorous for men of the pen profession as past leaders, present leaders and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Oyo State, family and friends converged to praise God and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with the theme, “For unto us a child is born.”
The opening prayer was said by former NUJ President, Pastor Lanre Ogundipe, which was followed by praise and worship by the NUJ Choir.
Thereafter, the opening hymn titled ‘Joy to the World’ was performed by the NUJ Choir, while the keynote address was delivered by the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Demola Babalola.
The chairman thanked God for this year’s Christmas carol, stating that this year has been full of various activities, and acknowledged the presence of distinguished personalities and also the guests of honour.
Babalola, however, charged journalists in the state to be very careful in covering political activities as the country prepares for the next election in 2023.
Two past Oyo State NUJ Chairmen and former National President, Comrade Victor Oluwadamilare, Comrade Oluwagbenga Ayoade and Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, also thanked the invited guests, members of the union and finally returned all the glory to Almighty God for being the rescuer who gave us his only son called Emmanuel, praying Him to give us the grace to celebrate many years on earth.
Thereafter, there was rendition by the NUJ Choir and first lesson from Genesis 3:14-15 was taken by Pastor (Mrs.) Adekitan Adeagbo.
This was followed by the first artiste performance, which was by “Drums Voice”, and the second lesson from Isaiah 9:2-7, which was read by the former Treasurer of the union, Comrade Dayo Owolabi. Then, the second artist performance was done by Prophet Sax followed by the third lesson which from the book of Micah 5:2-4 by Dapo Falade.
Thereafter, there was ministration by the Oyo NUJ Choir.
After this, the Founder of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Onala Parish, Prophet (Dr.) Matthew Kolawole Olakanmi gave words of exhortation, enjoining all to always be truthful while specifically calling on journalists to always speak the truth in their dealings.
The fifth lesson from the book of Matthew 2:18-23 was then read by former Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ayoade, with closing prayer by the Zonal Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Pastor Goke Olatoye.
Some members of the union while speaking with the popular Queen of Red Carpet, Fola Slim, lauded the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and members of the Planning Committee for putting in place a sweet and interesting Christmas Carol, praying for a better one in the coming year.
