The 2025 NUJ FCT Easter Cantata, held in Abuja on Wednesday, April 16, was more than just a festive holiday gathering—it became a powerful call for national healing, unity, and responsible journalism.
With journalists, lawmakers, and security officials in attendance, the evening transitioned from a celebration of the resurrection story into a forum for critical reflection on the media’s role in shaping Nigeria’s future. The event underscored the immense influence of words in building or breaking a nation.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, set the tone with a quote that echoed through the hall: “Information is power. One sentence can create peace—or ignite conflict.” His words served as a solemn reminder of the weight journalists carry. He advocated for a stronger partnership between the media and security agencies, emphasizing that mutual trust is essential for national peace and progress. “If the media and police don’t work together, it’s the nation that suffers,” he cautioned.
NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, opened the event with a moving speech, urging journalists to look beyond Easter’s religious symbolism. “Easter reminds us of sacrifice, rebirth, and recommitment,” she said, challenging media professionals to rebuild society with truth, empathy, and unity. “We must be bridges, not barriers, in a nation that is yearning for healing,” she added.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, delivered a clear and compelling message. “Tell Nigeria’s story like the international media would,” he urged. Abejide encouraged journalists to spotlight the nation’s achievements alongside its challenges. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a “covenant with the people” and urged the press to view current reforms through a long-term lens. He likened the process to consuming bitter leaf—difficult at first, but ultimately restorative.
NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Abdullahi, reinforced this sentiment, reminding colleagues that “Nigeria is our only nation.” He called on the media to embrace unity and forgiveness as core principles in their reporting, especially in these sensitive times.
Of course, the Cantata also featured stirring musical performances, spoken word poetry, and cultural interludes by various NUJ chapel groups. Far from mere entertainment, these moments offered a heartfelt tribute to Nigeria’s cultural richness and shared humanity.
The evening ended with a powerful truth: media matters. What journalists write, say, and share profoundly shapes the national narrative—and how Nigerians see themselves.
In a season marked by reflection and renewal, the path toward national healing may just begin with those who tell the nation’s stories.
