By Godwin Utuedoye,
Lagos-Nigeria; Missionary Newspaper- Catholic media practitioners in Nigeria has been urged to reflect and proffer solutions to critical problem confronting the nation presently.
The charge was given at Saints Philip and James Catholic Church, Lekki-Epe Express Road by the parish priest, Rev. Msgr. Professor Francis Ogunmodede, Regional-Vicar for Lekki/Epe Episcopal Region during the opening Mass for the general convention of Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria CAMPAN, held in Lagos State on Friday, August 3, 2018.
Speaking on the numerous insecurity, political, social, economic and religious challenges confronting the nation, Rev. Msgr. Ogunmodede noted, that it is time Catholic media practitioners focus, reflect and use their profession to proffer solutions to these numerous and incessant.
“As Catholic journalists, Advertisers or Mass Media professionals, I would like you to focus not just on your role in the church but also on your action in the state.”
He decried the activities of the insurgents, Boko Haram and the blood wielding Fulani Herdsmen and called on the federal government to do everything possible to stop the callous killing. He said top among the problems bedeviling the nation is insecurity caused by Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram.
Rev. Monsignor Ogunmodede noted that this violence created by insurgents and the AK47 Fulani herds is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria and accused the APC led government of ethnic bigot especially in the appointment of persons into major parastals in the country. He expressed fear over what Nigeria will become in the year 2020 if nothing is done, and therefore called on Catholic journalists to use their profession to help in sanitizing the system.
Meanwhile, Bishop Dennis Isizoh, Chairman of Social Communication, Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria who was the Chief celebrant of the Mass, congratulated leaders and members of CAMPAN and charged them to continually apply professionalism and faith in their reportage in order to develop instwad of dividing.
On his part, the National Director of the Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Dr. Anyanwu Chris expressed, his heart felt appreciation to the Episcopal Chairman of Communication for the CBCN, Most Rev. Dennis Isizoh for honouring the CAMPAN invitation. He also thanked Rev. Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese for the numerous support he has given to the group just as he thanked all members present and wish all a happy deliberations.