Cross River Journalists Celebrate Achievement with Thanksgiving Service on Sunday
By Goodness Ekpang
Journalists from Cross River State practicing in Abuja and its environs have celebrated the success recorded in 2025, especially the launch of its Panorama Magazine, with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The event was a time for reflection, giving gratitude to God, and renewal of commitment to journalism.
In a statement signed by the forum secretary, Raphael Ekpang, the thanksgiving service took place at St. John Catholic Church, Mararaba, where members and their families joined the leadership of the forum in thanking God for what He has done, and asking in anticipation of greater things He will do for the forum this year.
In his homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. Abraham Ayaku enjoined worshippers to use this period of Lent to reconcile themselves back to their Creator, stressing that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments so that people shall observe and live in peace with one another. He took his reading from the book of Matthew 5:27-37, which reads in part, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be liable to judgment. Again, anyone who insults his brother or sister shall be liable to the council. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Fr. Ayaku emphasized that fasting during this period without genuine repentance, true forgiveness, and sharing with the less privileged by Christians will fetch no spiritual benefits.
Meanwhile, the chairman of CROSSJOF, Francisca Ogar, appreciated members who were present at the thanksgiving for their commitment to the growth of the forum, love, and support to her team of Exco. She assured that thanking God at the beginning of the year for what He did for the forum last year will offer them the opportunity to tap from the blessings of this year.
“It is always good to appreciate whoever is your helper; that way, your helper will do more for you. That is why we are here today to thank God for what He has been doing for the forum in the last 35 years, so that He will do more for us this year and years beyond,” she said.
Those present at the event include the SA Media to the Governor of Cross River State, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche; NAWOJ National Vice-President Zone D, Comrade Chizoba Ogbeche; Chairman Emeritus of the forum and Director Research Strategy, NIDCOM, Mr. Gabriel Odu; Former Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of the Federation, Don Bassey Awassam; Elder Sunday Ayami, among other members of the forum.
