Catholic Media Must Heal Nigeria, Inspire Youth – Experts Warn At SIGNIS Convention
Catholic communicators have been charged to rise above divisions, engage the nation’s youth and harness digital tools to spread hope, peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.
This was the resounding message at the SIGNIS Nigeria Convention, where diplomats, priests and media leaders delivered heartfelt addresses on the future of Catholic media.
Delivering the keynote, Ambassador Joe Keshi stressed the urgent role of the Catholic media in healing Nigeria’s polarised society.
He urged communicators to promote forgiveness, reconciliation and the culture of encounter, warning that neglecting the needs of young Nigerians could trigger future crises.
“If we do not do something about the youths in Nigeria today, they will become a nightmare,” he said, while also calling on Catholic media to expand its reach beyond church circles and embrace mainstream platforms to influence national change.
Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh reminded participants of their Christian calling, urging them to remain faithful disciples in their communication roles.
“Beyond being Christians, we have been called to be disciples.
Through our profession, may we do our sincere best to uplift the Catholic Church’s communication organ,” he encouraged.
In his valedictory address, outgoing SIGNIS Nigeria President, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, reflected on the association’s achievements and challenges since 2018.
He highlighted progress made in strengthening ties with dioceses, clearing international dues, organising successful congresses and sustaining unity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he warned that without sustainable financing and stronger collaboration, growth could be stalled.
Fr. Alumuku charged Catholic media practitioners to step up their presence in digital spaces to reach new generations.
“We must make the Church present on all social media platforms to proclaim the gospel and evangelise all generations, including the Gen Zs,” he said.
The Congress later inaugurated a 9 man caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the Association for the next six months
As the convention transitions into new leadership, participants were reminded that the future of Catholic media lies in being “a builder of communion and hope” a prophetic voice that consoles, inspires and challenges society towards justice, peace and unity.