In another interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the same event, the 3rd SIGNIS Nigeria National Congress, the National President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), Ambassador Joe Keshi, called on Catholic media practitioners in Nigeria to rise beyond their traditional role of disseminating information and become instruments of evangelization, hope, and social transformation.
“Catholic media is not just owned by the Church, but a missionary instrument, an extension of evangelization. It is all about spreading the Good News, teaching, explaining, and defending the doctrines and teachings of the Catholic Church,” Ambassador Keshi, who was the guest speaker at the September 3-5 SIGNIS Nigeria National congress said.
He challenged Catholic media outlets in Nigeria to follow the example of Vatican Media and EWTN by offering Catholic perspectives on global and national events.
“It must provide Catholic viewpoints on events, shape discussions on ethics, faith, and the digital world, and offer credible information for Catholics,” he said.
Turning to Nigeria’s national crisis, Ambassador Keshi described insecurity, economic stagnation, corruption, unemployment, and deepening ethnic and religious divisions as symptoms of failed leadership.
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“Nigeria faces an absence of visionary leadership and the absence of elite consensus. Our youth feel disappointed, and this is why we have the japa syndrome, which negatively affects our health and education systems,” he said referring to the slang term for the mass emigration of Nigerians to foreign countries, often in search of better socio-economic opportunities, education, and a higher quality of life.
Catholic media must become a beacon of hope and an engine for change, Ambassador Keshi said, and added, “Communicating hope alone is not enough. Catholic media must campaign vigorously for change and mobilize the people to demand and work for it.”
He urged Clergy and women and men Religious involved in communications to be well-prepared and credible voices. “You must have the knowledge, the capacity, and the competence. Priests and Religious should be well educated, articulate, and grounded in history, social sciences, and philosophy. Their writings and speeches should earn respect, not just for their arguments but for their intellectual depth,” he said.
The diplomat expressed concern about Nigeria’s collapsing value system, and called upon Catholic media to prioritize integrity, justice, and civic education.
“Several people now believe that doing the wrong thing is the right thing. The media must promote values, engage in civic education, and help Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities,” he said.
For him, Catholic media practitioners must embrace technology, remain courageous, and continue speaking truth to power.
“Being enlightened and strong on the issues enables you to fight the battles of today,” Ambassador Keshi said.
Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Catholic journalist with passion for Church communication and media apostolate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Benue State University, Makurdi in Benue State Nigeria. He has a background in print, electronic and multi-media production.
