By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, on Wednesday urged media practitioners and journalists to uphold truth and nobility on their platforms.
Abegunrin made the appeal at a news conference organised by the Archdiocese to celebrate 2025 World Communications Day in Ibadan.
The archbishop enjoined media practitioners to ensure that their voices carried messages of hope and unity, not fear and division.
He urged all the faithful to always share hope, kindness, and witness Jesus Christ through their conversations.
Abegunrin advised journalists to allow their stories to reflect the gentleness of Christ and the hope within.
“To our dear journalists and media practitioners, you have a sacred duty; your words and images can build or break society,” he said.
He urged media practitioners to ensure they fished out the untutored, unprofessional practitioners who spread false news.
The cleric enjoined journalists to always thoroughly investigate cases before publishing, adding that the misuse of power by some people should be avoided.
“We need to speak and act, let’s summon courage and work as a team to be able to thrive.
“For this year’s observance, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has given us the theme, ‘Share with Gentleness the Hope that is in Your Hearts’ (1 Peter 3:15-16).
“The theme urges all who communicate to speak not with harshness or hostility but with reverence, compassion and deep hope.
“It challenges us to make our communication an expression of the hope that Christ gives and a testimony to the peace He offers in turbulent times,” he said.
According to him, the church recognises the remarkable changes brought about by technology.
“From artificial intelligence to social media, we are witnessing a transformation that calls for discernment.
“As Pope Francis reminds us, technology must serve humanity, not the other way round.
“Communication should never lose its heart, it must remain deeply human, rooted in truth, guided by charity and anchored in justice.
“There is need for training and retraining of workers including journalists,” the Archbishop said. (NAN)
