The Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Ogun state weekend marked the 2025 World Communication Day with great fervour, holding a thanksgiving Mass at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral.
This year’s celebration, themed “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts,” was inspired by Pope Francis’ message, which emphasises the importance of inspiring hope and avoiding aggressive language in communication.
In his homily at the Thanksgiving mass, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, charged media practitioners to be worthy representatives of God, being mindful of their critical role as propagators of good news and hope to a world grappling with despair. He stressed that journalists and communicators have a responsibility to bring hope and positivity to their audience, particularly in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties.
Bishop Odetoyinbo further encouraged media professionals to rise above temptations and sustain the hope that resides in Christ, guiding what comes from within them with the virtue of truth as they communicate to the outside world. He emphasised the need for integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to truth-based reporting in the discharge of their duties.
Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo( fourth left) with special guests and panellists atthe 2025 World Communications Day held recently in Abeokuta
The Thanksgiving Mass was followed by a symposium, where panellists deliberated on the importance of responsible journalism, humanity-focused media practice, and truth-based news reporting in promoting social development. The discussion underscored the critical role that media practitioners play in shaping public discourse and influencing societal values.
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The symposium emphasised the need for journalists to show empathy in the discharge of their agenda-setting roles while prioritising respect, dignity, and humanity in their professional obligations. Participants were encouraged to seek personal integrity and uphold the highest ideals and standards of journalism, recognising the significant impact their work can have on individuals and society as a whole.
The Panel of discussants includes the CEO of Rock City FM Abeokuta, Mr. Niran Malaolu, Founder of Penpushing Media, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Head of Public Affairs, Apple and Pears Limited, Stella Sawyer, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State, Akinwale Olanrewaju, and Fidelis Moses, CEO of FPN Communications, all lamented the current trend of the advent of social media, which has eroded the values of professionalism and ethics in Journalism and media practice.
The 59th edition of the World Day of Social Communications highlights the Catholic Church’s recognition of the pivotal role of communication in promoting global peace, development, and humanity in diversity. The event brought together journalists and media practitioners to reflect on their roles and responsibilities in shaping a more hopeful and peaceful world.
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