Commissioner for Information, Plateau State, Musa Ashoms, in a group photograph with guest at a fundraising for Recapitalization of Light Bearer Newspaper.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Nigerians have been tasked to offer support to the media houses especially those promoting godly activities to enable them to continue to project issues that would ensure societal development.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, the former Executive Secretary, of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, and others gave the charge in their separate remarks during the special lecture and fund-raising for the re-capitalization of the Light Bearer Newspaper, a Christian newspaper based in Jos.
Mutfwang represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms called for continued accurate, unbiased, and truthful reportage by the medium for positive impacts and reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to support the media and the Church.
In his goodwill message, he added, “The Light Bearer has stood out as the voice of the voiceless, providing a platform for information dissemination and medium of expression for the Church’s spiritual ideologies and edification for the teeming Plateau citizens and the nation at large.
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“It has also despite the high cost of information transmission provided the Church, its members, and citizenry a moderate and affordable medium of communication, I consider this event a remarkable one which is aimed at improving on the welfare of its workers, and quality of service delivery for the effective utilization by the Church and its members.
“The Time is Now for us all to join hands to see to the development and growth of The Light Bearer, to meet the global standard practice… It is therefore imperative for all to partake in our continuous effort to edify God through our commitment to the growth of the Church and its establishments through our giving for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.”
In his remark, Professor Bogoro who was the Chairman of the event but represented by the Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University, Professor Nanven Gambo urged the media to continue to serve as a beacon of truth, calling for quality donations to assist the newspaper achieve its vision of getting N100m for use in navigating the complex media landscape.
Also, the Guest Speaker, Professor Clement Dakas who delivered the Special Lecture tagged: “The Love That Kept Nothing Back: Celebrating the extraordinary missionary zeal and impact of Lucy Kumm,” commended the vision of Lucy Kumm, a European missionary who birthed the Light Bearer.
His words, “… In a world often fraught with oddities, challenges, and uncertainties, the legacy of individuals who exemplify unwavering dedication, boundless compassion, and extraordinary service becomes a beacon of inspiration and hope.
“Lucy’s missionary zeal was not merely a profession but a calling rooted in deep empathy, compassion, and a relentless desire to uplift the lives of others. Her dedication to serving others, and her deep-rooted belief in the human spirit challenge us to reflect on our own lives, urging us to find the love that propels us beyond boundaries and limitations.
“Honouring the legacy of Lucy, the journalist who was conscious of the power of the pen, reinforces the need for today’s journalists to leverage their power for the common good…”
Dakas stressed that The Light Bearer holds a unique and invaluable place in the realm of Christian publishing as an organ of missions. Therefore, by contributing to the sustenance of the newspaper, “we are not just preserving a publication but upholding a tradition that embodies the timeless values of faith, knowledge, community, and the imperative of The Great Commission through the instrumentality of journalism.”
There were categories of Awards presented to the deserving recipients as the President, Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN, Rev. Amos Mohzo, and other clergies present at the event assured to continue to play their roles in sustaining the publication.
