The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, held its 2025 Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons Service at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, as journalists, religious leaders and invited guests gathered to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The service began with praise and worship by the Choir of the Stone Church, while the opening prayer was led by Pastor Ojewole. This was followed by the introduction of guests present at the event. The guest preacher was Prophet Timothy Abass Arambambi, Assistant General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Williams Adewumi Faniran; a past chairman of the council and now a Chief of Ibadanland, Chief Olugbenga Ayoade; the most senior female journalist in Oyo State, Mrs Omolola Alamu; and former Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Dudu Alebiosu.
Several choirs added colour and spiritual depth to the carol service, including the Molete Baptist Church International Choir, CAC Information Land Choir, Total Man from Stone Church Assembly Choir, and the Reformation Land Choir, Jegede, Ibadan. The opening hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” was jointly rendered by the congregation before the Nine Lessons were read.
The first lesson was read by Pastor Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, while Pastor Ayorinde took the third lesson. Special prayers were later offered for the newly elected NUJ Oyo State executives by Pastor Mrs Adekiitan Adeagbo. Those prayed for included the Chairman, Comrade Akem Babatunde Abass; the Vice Chairman, Comrade Atilola; and the Secretary, Comrade Temitayo Adu.
The fourth lesson was read by Mr Moses Solanke of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while the fifth lesson was taken by former chairman of the council, Comrade Williams Faniran. The sixth lesson was read by Comrade Omolola Alamu, followed by the seventh lesson delivered by Comrade Seye Ojo, National Trustee of the NUJ. The eighth lesson was read by Pastor Dapo Falade, while the ninth lesson was taken by Mr Kayode Adebayo, representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command.
Special musical renditions were later presented by the Molete Baptist Church Choir and the Reformation Land Choir, Jegede, Ibadan. This was followed by an exhortation from Prophet Timothy Abass Arambambi, who spoke on the proclamation of the angel that announced the birth of Jesus Christ. He likened the role of angels to that of journalists, noting that without journalists, many professions and societal activities would not be recognised, just as the angel brought the good news of Christ’s birth to the world.
The cleric observed that while negative news often spreads faster and attracts more attention, journalists must strive to balance their reportage by projecting both positive and negative developments. He described journalism as a powerful profession, stressing that the actions of presidents and governors only reach the public through the work of journalists.
Prophet Arambambi also prayed for the safety of journalists, acknowledging the risks associated with their profession, and expressed confidence that divine guidance would continue to protect them. He concluded by noting that the work of journalists only truly ends when they join the heavenly choir.
The programme came to a close with an appreciation address by the newly elected Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Akem Babatunde Abass, who thanked members, guests and organisers for their support and for the successful hosting of the 2025 Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons Service.
