- It’s a testament to our enduring legacy, promotion of Catholic values – Archbishop Martins
- It chronicles the 100-year history of Nigeria’s pioneering newspaper – Very Rev. Fr. Godonu
The Catholic Herald has resumed its centenary celebrations with the launch of a special publication entitled “The Catholic Herald @100.” In his remarks, the Publisher, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins underscored that as the oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria, The Catholic Herald has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s media landscape He said, “This special publication provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the newspaper’s enduring legacy, its contributions to Nigerian society, and its unwavering commitment to promoting Catholic values and teachings.”
Describing the special publication as a commemorative library document, the Director, Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, said it is a meticulously crafted narrative that chronicles the remarkable 100-year history of Nigeria’s pioneering newspaper. He emphasised, “The Catholic Herald @ 100 is more than just a publication. It’s a library document that tells the story of our humble beginnings, our growth, and our contributions to the Nigerian society. “It’s a story of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to promoting Catholic values and teachings.”
Speaking further, Archbishop Martins expressed his gratitude to the team of Missionary Priests, Directors, Editors, Reporters, Contributors, and designers who worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. “Their hard work and dedication have resulted in a publication that we can all be proud of,” he noted. Fr. Godonu added that The Catholic Herald @ 100 is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Nigerian journalism, Catholic heritage, and the country’s social and political development. “We hope that this publication will serve as a valuable resource for historians, researchers, and the general public, and that it will inspire future generations to continue our mission of promoting truth, justice, and Catholic values.”
On a final note, the Archbishop commended the team on sustaining the publication this far as he invited the clergy, religious and lay faithful to join in celebrating this milestone in the history of The Catholic Herald. In his words, ” My dear Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful, as we celebrate the Centenary of The Catholic Herald, I invite you all to join in this momentous occasion. “For 100 years, The Catholic Herald has been a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual guidance for our community. ” As we mark this significant milestone, I urge you to support The Catholic Herald in various ways. I encourage you to contribute articles on developments in your Parishes, Directorates, Congregations, Institutions and Communities. “Your stories and experiences will enrich the paper and provide a platform for sharing our faith and values. “
I also appeal to you to support The Catholic Herald through subscription and advertisement. Your financial support will enable the paper to continue its mission of evangelisation and service to our community. “Let us come together to celebrate this milestone and ensure the continued success of The Catholic Herald. May this Centenary celebration be an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to our faith and to the values of truth, justice, and compassion that The Catholic Herald represents.” He blessed the publication’s team, “May God bless The Catholic Herald and all those who contribute to its success.” Last year, the Catholic community in Nigeria witnessed a significant milestone as The Catholic Herald, the country’s oldest surviving newspaper, kicked off its centenary celebrations. The Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, unveiled the logo and programme of the celebrations, marking the beginning of a year-long commemoration.
The centenary celebrations were a testament to the newspaper’s dedication to evangelisation and service to the Catholic community in Nigeria. The Catholic Herald Centenary Public Lecture and Awards presentation was a highlight of the celebrations, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume represented by Chief of Staff, Office of the SGF, Mr. Christopher Tarka. President Bola Tinubu sent a representative, the former Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim to attend as Special Guest of Honour.
The lecture featured the tireless advocate for justice, democracy and human development, Bishop Matthew Kukah as the Guest Speaker, with discussants including, legal luminary and human rights activist, Femi Falana; Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman; constitutional lawyer and pro-democracy campaigner, Chief Mike Ozekhome; Dean, Lagos Business School, Prof. Chris Ogbechie,; and Provincial Coordinator, Church and Society, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province,Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, Lawyer and Public Affairs Commentator, Liborous Oshoma, a prominent lawyer moderated the session, while the Archbishop of Lagos, the publisher of The Catholic Herald, was the Chief Host.
The Public Lecture was themed “The Nigerian State: Transcending Challenges; Attaining Nationhood.” This year, the centenary celebrations will continue with the publication of The Catholic Herald @ 100, which will feature the 100-year story of the oldest surviving Nigerian newspaper. The celebrations will climax in June 2025 with The Herald 100, a project designed to recognise 100 individuals who have contributed extraordinarily to the success of the newspaper. The Catholic Herald’s centenary anniversary is a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. The newspaper has been a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual guidance for millions of Nigerians over the years.
As the country’s oldest surviving newspaper, The Catholic Herald has played a pivotal role in promoting Catholic values and teachings, as well as advocating for social justice and human rights. The centenary celebrations are a testament to the newspaper’s enduring legacy and its commitment to serving the Catholic community in Nigeria. As The Catholic Herald continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its readers, it remains a powerful symbol of the Catholic Church’s presence and influence in Nigerian society.
