…As SIGNIS Nigeria Holds Convention In Port-Harcourt
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye,
Promoting peaceful coexistence, stability and progress through communication were the major charges to Catholics in the Media during the annual convention of SIGNIS Nigeria, which began on Tuesday, November 16 to 19, 2021, at the Catholic Institute Of West Africa CIWA, Port Harcourt, River State.
SIGNIS Nigeria, is an umbrella organization housing all associations and groups of Catholic Professionals and Practitioners working in the Media in Nigeria.
The Convention which attracted Catholic Media Professionals from all over Nigeria including Catholic Priests in the Media, Directors of Social Communications in the Arch/Dioceses and Catholic Lecturers of Communications had as its theme; ‘Communications In The Church In Nigeria- The Past, The Present and Future‘.
While welcoming participants, Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Camilus Etokudoh, said the theme of the convention was apt as it affords the Church the opportunity to interrogate how well the Church has been handling Communication in the Church. Bishop Etokudoh whose welcome address was read by the Communication Director, Rev. Fr. Francis Tete, reminded all that the Church of today is grappling with all forms of Political, Religious and Economic woes, but urged participants to proffer ways of addressing the problems of the nation that is drifting and sliding towards precipice and welcome all to the convention.
In his opening speech, President, Signis Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Alumuko, noted that the 2021 Convention was aimed at examining how the Church has used the means of Communications in the past and present for evangelization in Nigeria.
This he said; will lead to a projection into the future. “The context in which we find ourselves today clearly indicates that if our work is going to be effective in our communities and in the future of this nation, we must embark on peace communication”.
Fr. Alumuku appealed to media practitioners to ensure they promote initiatives and people who will work for peace, progress, stability and peaceful coexistence for the future especially now that insurgencies, insecurity and ensuing social instability is bedeviling the nation.
The event which was organized in collaboration with the Center For Study Of African Culture And Communication (CESACC), Catholic Institute Of West Africa (CIWA) Port-Harcourt, features paper presentation on Communication and the Mission of the Church in Nigeria, Exploring the Potentials of Broadcasting in the Evangelization Mission of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Others includes Mobilizing SIGNIS Nigeria for the Mission of the Church in the Digital Era and Funding Communications in Nigeria: The Challenges and Prospects.
Participants at the convention who spoke to newsmen appreciated the leadership of SIGNIS as the topic they said was timely as all the papers were presented by seasoned personality in the Media Industry.