Fr. Mbakwe at 2026 CAMPAN Lenten Retreat: Calls for Media Integrity, Innovation, Defense of Catholic Heritage
BENIN CITY – In a powerful call for ethical transformation within the Nigerian media landscape, the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Archdiocese of Benin City, held its 2026 Lenten Retreat on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The spiritual exercise, which took place at the Archdiocesan Social Communications Centre along Airport Road, served as a clarion call for journalists to reclaim their roles as the moral compass of society. Facilitated by the CAMPAN Archdiocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Romanus Mbakwe, the retreat drew a diverse gathering of media professionals from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA-Benin), Independent Television (ITV), Radio Benin, and correspondents from Akwa-Ibom State Media House and Reliance Newspaper, alongside the host team from the Directorate of Social Communications and VERITAS Archdiocesan Newspaper.
The day’s proceedings, which blended solemn Rosary recitations with deep spiritual reflections and an interactive Q&A session, centered on the biblical mandate to be the "Salt of the Earth" and the "Light of the World." In his keynote address, Fr. Mbakwe explained that Jesus used these terms metaphorically to illustrate the essential functions of preservation and purification. He challenged the practitioners to ensure their journalism acts as a preservative against societal decay, insisting that every report and broadcast must add tangible value to the community. He noted that just as salt prevents corruption in food, the Christian journalist must prevent the corruption of truth, remaining balanced, precise, and strictly non-partisan in an era of polarized interests.
Expanding on the imagery of light, the Retreat Master warned that the absence of transparency often leads to an increase in criminal activities and systemic failure. He urged the media to consistently shine a spotlight on governance, holding leaders accountable while remaining untainted by political influence. Fr. Mbakwe was particularly pointed in his warning against compromising professional standards, urging Catholic practitioners to distinguish themselves from those who trade their integrity for material gain. He cautioned that once a journalist is compromised by a politician, they lose the moral authority to speak truth to power and find themselves desperately trying to defend the indefensible. "We must be unique and distinct professionals," he noted, emphasizing that Catholic media work must be entirely devoid of propaganda.
The spiritual depth of the retreat reached its peak during the Holy Mass, where Fr. Mbakwe’s homily touched on the fleeting nature of life and material wealth. Reminding the congregation that death is the ultimate equalizer for both the rich and the poor, he encouraged the practitioners to place their total trust in God rather than in earthly riches. While stating that it is not a crime to be wealthy, he emphasized that the true value of wealth lies in how it is used to uplift the less fortunate. He called for a spirit of generosity that extends beyond money to include the gift of time and mentorship for younger colleagues. "Don’t be tight-fisted," he exhorted, "for the more you give, the richer you become, and givers never lack."
Concluding the retreat, the Chaplain urged the participants to embrace innovation and the modern tools of digital communication to make their media work more effective and far-reaching. He noted that contemporary reportage must not only inform but also inspire, uncovering hidden talents and promoting the rich heritage of the Catholic Church. By staying true to their professional ethics and their faith, Fr. Mbakwe believes these media practitioners can move beyond mere storytelling to become true agents of social and spiritual transformation in Nigeria.
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