According to the Publisher of the Catholic Lagos Archdiocesan newspaper, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, the truly Nigerian newspaper played a pivotal role in the attainment of Nigeria’s independence through its compelling news stories and editorials that spoke truth to the authorities.
Its original concept of a distinct nationalist and democratic orientation beyond its primary goal of enhancing the Catholic spirituality of the lay faithful is still at the heart of The Catholic Herald’s editorial operations till date,” Archbishop Martins remarked. “We have made history together with the Nigerian nation. Post amalgamation, pre-independence, independence and through the phases of the nation ever since, the newspaper has been marching hand-in-hand with Nigeria and its citizenry, availing Catholics compelling editorials that fully instill Christian spirit as well as engendering a peaceful and just society, utilising a host of resources and media technology,” he added.
Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Director, Directorate of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos said the Centenary Lecture and Awards Presentation will be graced by top government functionaries, political leaders, captains of industries, religious leaders, royal fathers, elder statesmen, scholars, human rights activists, lay leaders, the media and other relevant stakeholders for a robust and balanced dialogue. Founded on June 21, 1924, The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper clocked 100 on June 21, 2024. The Centenary Lecture and Awards presentation is part of the year-long activities marking the 100-year anniversary of the newspaper establishment. Recall that on Thursday, April 4, 2024, The Catholic Herald flagged off activities for its centenary celebrations at the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Lagos.
It was marked with the unveiling of Centenary and Awards Presentation logos. Other commemorative events of The Catholic Herald @ 100 include, The Catholic Herald Centenary Lecture and Awards Presentation, the 2nd Lagos Archdiocesan Communications Conference and The Herald 100 (Thanksgiving Mass and Presentation of Certificates). According to Fr. Godonu, The Catholic Herald newspaper founded by Bishop Ferdinand Terrien, SMA was initially surnamed ‘Nigerian Catholic Herald’ and was published from St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebute Metta, Lagos. He stated that as recounted by Fr. Peter McCawille, SMA, in his book, ‘Leaving Legacy in Lagos’, the Catholic Archdiocesan newspaper was “printed by the Vicariate’s St. Paul Press as a monthly (newspaper).
Fr. Godonu recalled, “For many years, it was the sole organ of public information and opinion for the Catholic Church throughout Nigeria. From a monthly, it appeared fortnightly and then weekly.” One Fr. Edward Peter Bermingham was very instrumental in its growth in the 1940s. He was said to have run the newspaper from St. Paul Catholic Church, Ebute Metta and then at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Yaba, infusing new life into the newspaper. “Since then, the newspaper has passed through many hands, Directors of Social Communications ranging from late Rev. Fr. Dennis Slattery, Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu to Very Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh, back to Very Rev. Msgr. Osu and currently Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu. “The Catholic Herald newspaper surely has had its ups and downs. But here we are today celebrating 100 years of existence.”
