Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, Catholic Bishop of Katsina and Bishop Chairman Communication Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria CBCN, on Tuesday, July 15, declared that Catholic Media in Nigeria must urgently reinvent itself through stronger collaboration, digital competence and crisis communication to confront rising misinformation, online attacks and rapidly evolving media platforms.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the three-day General Assembly and Media Training for Directors of Social Communications and executives of Catholic communication bodies, holding from July 14 to 16, Bishop Musa said the future of Catholic media would depend on synergy among communication professionals across the Church rather than isolated efforts by individual organisations.
The Assembly, attended by Directors of Social Communications, presidents of Catholic communication bodies and media executives from dioceses nationwide, is themed “Structure for Synergy: The Future of Catholic Media and Communications in Nigeria.”
Bishop Musa said the impressive turnout reflected the commitment of Catholic communicators despite the country’s harsh economic realities, revealing that he had initially feared poor attendance after seeing only about eight or nine participants registered on the eve of the conference.
“We have long desired to hold this General Assembly, but the high cost of transportation and organising meetings has made it difficult.
Yesterday, I saw only about eight or nine people had signed in, but after Mass this morning, I was delighted to see this hall filled. That sacrifice deserves appreciation,” he said.
The Chairman thanked participants for travelling from across Nigeria, describing their presence as evidence of a shared determination to strengthen Catholic communications at a time when the Church faces mounting information challenges.
He also paid tribute to the outgoing National Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, crediting him with transforming Catholic media into a nationally recognised communication platform.
According to Bishop Musa, Catholic communications have expanded significantly under Fr. Umoh’s leadership, evolving from activities centred mainly on World Communications Day into a sustained programme of media engagement throughout the year.
“For more than 50 years, we never imagined communication activities could extend beyond a single annual event. Today, Catholic media has grown into a vibrant platform recognised across the Church, and whoever succeeds must build on that foundation,” he said.
Bishop Musa stressed that the conference theme reflects the urgent need for Catholic media organisations to work together in response to the changing communication landscape.
He noted that the assembly brought together professionals from print, broadcast, digital and institutional communication platforms, saying such collaboration is essential as media boundaries continue to disappear.
“The future belongs to synergy. We are no longer operating in isolated communication sectors. Different Catholic communication bodies must work together if we are to remain effective,” he said.
Warning that the Church is increasingly under pressure from hostile narratives, Bishop Musa said Catholic media must become more proactive in defending the Church’s mission in the digital space.
“The Church today faces all kinds of negative publicity. There is an online war taking place every day, and sometimes we are absent from those conversations. We cannot afford to remain silent while others define our story,” he warned.
He said technological convergence has fundamentally reshaped journalism, making it imperative for Catholic communicators to acquire multiple media skills.
“In the past, communicators specialised either in print or broadcasting. Today, every communicator must know how to write, produce audio, create videos and communicate effectively across digital platforms,” Bishop Musa said.
Describing the current era as an “information superhighway,” he observed that audiences are exposed to enormous volumes of information every day, making credibility, speed and professionalism indispensable for Catholic media.
“We receive information every minute. The question is whether we are actively participating in shaping the conversations that matter,” he added.
Drawing on his experience as a lecturer at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Bishop Musa identified crisis communication as one of the most critical skills Catholic communicators must master.
“In the midst of crises affecting the world and the Church, communicators must understand how to manage difficult situations. Crisis communication is no longer optional; it is an essential professional responsibility,” he said.
The three-day General Assembly and Media Training, which runs from July 14 to 16, is expected to develop a stronger framework for collaboration among Catholic media institutions, enhance professional capacity and position Catholic communicators to respond more effectively to the opportunities and challenges of Nigeria’s fast-changing digital media environment.