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By Our Correspondent

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has called on Catholic media practitioners across the country to take a leading role in rebuilding Nigeria’s moral fabric, combating misinformation and mobilising citizens for active participation in the 2027 general elections.

The charge was given by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, in his welcome address at the General Assembly of Directors of Communications held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Addressing directors of communications from dioceses and Catholic media organisations nationwide, Banjo said the future of Catholic communications must go beyond embracing technology to becoming a force for national transformation.

Speaking on the theme, “Structure for Synergy: The Future of Catholic Media and Communications in Nigeria,” he stressed that collaboration among Catholic communication institutions was essential for effective evangelisation and national development.

“The future of Catholic communications in Nigeria will depend not only on better equipment or newer technology, but on mutual trust, respect for roles, honest dialogue and a shared commitment to the Church’s mission,” he said.

Banjo urged greater cooperation among the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, diocesan communication directors and Catholic media practitioners, warning that a divided Church could not effectively preach the Gospel of unity.

He also challenged Catholic communicators to produce content capable of transforming society by promoting truth, justice, integrity and hope rather than merely seeking popularity on digital platforms.

According to him, Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not simply a lack of information but a deficit in moral formation.

“Our communications must become instruments for the transformation of society. They must help build a Nigeria where truth prevails over falsehood, integrity over corruption, dialogue over division, hope over despair and justice over oppression,” he said.

Banjo called for a coordinated national effort to develop high-quality Catholic media content, including catechetical videos, podcasts, documentaries, digital courses, children’s programmes, family formation materials and civic education resources.

He said such initiatives would help parents, children, young people and families navigate the challenges of the digital age while strengthening Christian values.

Describing communication as a ministry of evangelisation, he reminded participants that every article, programme, interview and social media message should draw people closer to truth, goodness and God.

With Nigeria preparing for the next general elections, Banjo said Catholic communicators had a sacred responsibility to promote peaceful and issue-based political engagement.

He urged Catholic media platforms to reject misinformation and hate speech while educating citizens on their civic responsibilities.

Banjo also encouraged every Catholic parish, school and communication office to promote voter registration by encouraging eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

He further urged Nigerians to move away from politics driven by ethnicity and personalities and instead assess candidates based on integrity, competence, accountability, justice, religious freedom, concern for the poor and commitment to the common good.

“Through our various media platforms, we should encourage citizens to evaluate candidates according to integrity, competence, accountability, respect for the sanctity of life, commitment to justice, religious freedom, concern for the poor and dedication to the common good,” he said.

The CSN Secretary General expressed appreciation to the Bishop Chairman of the Department of Social Communications, Most Rev. Gerald Musa, the Director of Social Communications, Fr. Michael Umoh, and members of the organising committee for convening the assembly.

He urged participants to use the gathering to develop practical strategies that would strengthen Catholic media structures and enhance the Church’s contribution to nation-building through responsible communication.