After a decade of dedicated leadership, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo has officially handed over the presidency of the Pan-African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS) to Bishop Bernardine Mfumbusa of Kondoa Diocese, Tanzania. The symbolic handover took place during the recently concluded SECAM 20th Plenary Assembly, marking a significant transition in the Church’s communication apostolate across Africa.
In his handover note titled “CEPACS President Triennial Report of 2022–2025,” Bishop Badejo provided a thoughtful review of the milestones and hurdles of his three-year leadership. While acknowledging persistent institutional and financial limitations, he underscored significant progress in strengthening CEPACS’ visibility, coordination, and strategic influence across the continent.
Major milestones and collaborations
Among the key achievements highlighted was his 2022 appointment to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications, which he noted opened new avenues for collaboration with the Holy See. He also referenced a groundbreaking agreement with the African Press Organisation (APO Group), which has since provided free professional media support and global press release distribution for SECAM and its pastoral initiatives. Further accomplishments under his watch included deeper engagement with continental Catholic media bodies like SIGNIS Africa, UCAP, CAEAN, and partnerships with Vatican Radio, EWTN, ACI Africa, and others.
Notably, CEPACS hosted its Golden Jubilee Assembly in Lagos in November 2023, attracting over 100 delegates from across Africa. Bishop Badejo commended the efforts of partners such as AMECEA and SIGNIS Africa for supporting media training workshops and synodality-themed assemblies in Rwanda and Uganda. He also acknowledged the strategic appointment of media specialist Charles Ayetan, who revitalised SECAM’s online presence, newsletter, and digital communications.
A vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Bishop Badejo urged his successor and SECAM to prioritise the upgrade of CEPACS into a full Commission, a proposal that has already received approval. He stressed the need for multilingual staffing, intensified digital engagement, collaboration with youth, and broader training in Church communications, including emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence. In his concluding remarks, Bishop Badejo expressed deep gratitude to SECAM for the opportunity to serve, to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for consistent support, and to God “for everything.”
A new chapter begins
Bishop Bernardine Mfumbusa, an academic and professor of communication, assumes leadership at a critical juncture as CEPACS seeks to expand its influence and relevance in the digital age. His appointment is seen as a natural continuation of the legacy of innovation and pastoral dedication that Bishop Badejo championed throughout his decade of service.
