60th World day of Social Com: Archbishop Akubeze, CAMPAN Warn Against AI Drift, as Media Practitioners are urged to Safeguard Humanity, 'Pollute' Social Media with Truth



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-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

BENIN CITY — The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has cautioned media practitioners against overreliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that while technology offers immense efficiency, it must never be allowed to erode critical thinking, human empathy, and moral responsibility.

​Archbishop Akubeze gave this charge during his homily at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the 60th World Day of Social Communications and the conclusion of the 2026 Communication Week (ComWeek). The event, hosted by the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Evbuotubu, Benin City, brought together Catholic media professionals, church dignitaries, state government representatives, and communication experts.

​The Threat of AI to Humanity

​Reflecting on this year's theme, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” chosen by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Akubeze emphasized that machines must remain tools that serve humanity rather than replacing the unique essence of the human mind.

​"While we cannot neglect the positive impact of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives, we must be quick to note that overreliance on it weakens critical thinking and creative skills," the Archbishop warned.


​He praised Catholic media practitioners for their dedication in ensuring Christ is proclaimed across the media landscape, urging them to remain steadfast, always giving out the truth to the public space and standing by it.

​Echoing the Archbishop's sentiments, the Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, challenged media professionals to take the offensive in the digital space. He called on them to "pollute the social media space with more engaging contents that will promote the gospel message of Evangelization."

​A Call to Action for Media Professionals

​In his address, the Chairman of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Archdiocese of Benin City, Ruben-Mario Agbon-ita Brodrick, described the Pope’s theme as a prophetic wake-up call in an age increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and automated digital simulation.

​Brodrick reminded journalists that human faces and voices are sacred gifts imprinted with the divine reflection of God’s love, and that humans are not merely "data sets" or "biochemical formulas." He charged CAMPAN members to be the "human heart" of the media industry.

​"In a world of deepfakes and automated content, let your reporting be distinguished by its authenticity," Brodrick said. "Do not give up your capacity for critical thinking. Be the voices that speak for the marginalized and the faces that show compassion to the suffering."

​Celebration of Excellence and Historic Feats

​A major highlight of the diamond anniversary celebration was the presentation of the 2nd Media Apostle Awards, where CAMPAN honored outstanding veterans who have seamlessly blended their professional craft with their Catholic faith:

  • ​James Inegbedion: Honored for his storied career at The Observer and vital contributions to VERITAS and The Evangelist.
  • ​Bernadette Idalu: Recognized for editorial excellence and raising the bar of religious journalism within the Archdiocese.
  • ​Chris Enabulele: Celebrated for using his platform at the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) to broadcast the liturgical life of the Church, particularly the Rosary Carnivals, into thousands of homes.

​An Unprecedented Milestone in Edo Journalism

​The event also witnessed a historic moment as CAMPAN conferred the Award of Distinguished Excellence upon a prominent media couple: Dr. Patrick Ebojele (Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor) and Hon. Mrs. Ivy Ebojele (Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly).

​The association noted that the couple’s simultaneous service at the highest echelons of both the Executive and Legislative arms of government is a unique, unprecedented feat that has never been recorded in the history of journalism practice in Edo State. The ceremony was well-attended by media leaders, including Dr. Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

​The glamorous event concluded with the traditional blessing of media tools—including cameras, microphones, and pens—by the Archbishop, reinforcing the sacred mandate of the professionals to go out into the digital world and "Communicate Christ."

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