Experts Call on Catholic Media to Champion Change and Heal Nigeria at SIGNIS Convention



 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Delegates from various Catholic media organizations, including Priests/Religious in the Social Communication Directorates, the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), the Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN), and other professionals from across the country, recently converged at the Daughters of Divine Love in Abuja for the SIGNIS Nigeria National Convention. 

The gathering aimed to chart a path of progress for SIGNIS, the umbrella body for Catholic communicators.

During the convention, key speakers delivered impactful presentations that set the tone for the future of Catholic media in Nigeria.

Keynote Address: A Call for Prophetic Journalism
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Joe Keshi stressed the urgent role of Catholic media in healing Nigeria’s polarized society. He urged communicators to rise above divisions and promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and the culture of encounter.
 Keshi warned that neglecting the needs of young Nigerians could trigger future crises, stating, "If we do not do something about the youths in Nigeria today, they will become a nightmare." 

He called on Catholic media to expand its reach beyond church circles and embrace mainstream platforms to influence national change, acting as a "prophetic voice" in the face of corruption and injustice.

Valedictory Address: Progress and Challenges
In his valedictory address, the outgoing SIGNIS Nigeria President, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, reflected on the association's achievements and challenges since 2018. He highlighted significant progress, including strengthening ties with dioceses, clearing international dues, organizing 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 also charged Catholic media practitioners to step up their presence in digital spaces to reach new generations, stating, "We must make the Church present on all social media platforms to proclaim the gospel and evangelize all generations, including the Gen Zs."

A Reminder of Vocation: Discipleship in Communication
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications and Chaplain of CAMPAN and CAEAN, reminded participants of their Christian calling. 

He urged them to remain faithful disciples in their communication roles, emphasizing that their profession is a means to uplift the Catholic Church's communication apostolate.

The convention concluded with the inauguration of a nine-person caretaker committee to manage the association's affairs for the next six months.

 The overall message was clear: the future of Catholic media in Nigeria depends on its ability to be a "builder of communion and hope," a voice that inspires, consoles, and challenges society toward a more just and peaceful future.

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