The Grand Patron of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Cross River State Chapter, His Holiness Leader Olumba Olumba Obu is advocating a return to Nigeria’s First National Anthem.

Leader Obu maintains that the first anthem which has the phrase “In Brotherhood We Stand” was inspired by the Holy Spirit and its re-adoption will help unite the country.

He made this known in a goodwill message delivered during a public lecture organized by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in Collaboration with the NUJ, Cross River State.

The Leader’s speech was delivered by the BCS Spokesman, Christ Shepherd Edet Archibong.

The inaugural lecture was also held to mark this year’s press freedom day and has a theme: Information As A Public Good.

Leader Obu said “I call on Nigeria to return to the first Nigeria National Anthem which says though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.

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“This anthem was inspired by the Holy Spirit not for a ceremonial purpose only but to remind Nigerians of the need to dwell in Brotherhood to keep the spirit and soul of the country together and unite despite the many differences”, he said.

He said herein lies the needed peace, stability, security, and progress the country needs  and this information can be described as a public good.

In his presentation, the guest lecturer Joe Ekpang, Ph.D. said the emergence of social media has accentuated the publication of fake news.

Dr. Ekpang who is also the head of the Department of the Mass com Communication University of Calabar said trained journalists have the responsibility to uphold the tenets of the publication by embracing fairness, balance, objectivity, and factuality.

On his part, Victor Udu the state Chairman of the NUJ said the theme of this year’s lecture is apt because of the challenge of insecurity and COVID-19.

He called on media professionals to take advantage of the FOI Act and use it to as a means to promote the public good.