The Catholic Herald Weekly newspaper, Nigeria’s oldest surviving publication, turned 100 on June 21, 2024. We can proudly state that the paper has offered 100 years of exceptional services to the Catholic Church and humanity. The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper is indeed, truly Nigerian. We have made history together with the Nigerian Nation and should be proud of this monumental feat, because very few Nigerian newspapers can boast of such a rich and relevant heritage as a member of the 100-year club.
Post amalgamation, pre-independence, independence and through the phases of the nation ever since, the newspaper has been marching hand-inhand with Nigeria and its citizenry, availing Catholics and the secular sphere objective reporting, insightful columns and compelling editorials that fully instil Christian spirit, as well as engender a peaceful and just society, utilising a host of resources and media technology.
The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper, is geared to mark its 100 years of service to the Archdiocese and Nigeria as whole; as well as celebrate the Archdiocese members that have contributed enormously to the growth of the paper. To this end, a legacy initiative has been developed and will be launched. The centenary celebration also serves as an opportunity to reinforce the hope of Nigerians, express our shared values to strengthen national consciousness and patriotism. The first edition was published in the year 1924 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebutte-Meta, Lagos, by an SMA Priest.
The 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. It had an original concept of a distinct nationalist and democratic orientation beyond its primary goal of enhancing the Catholic spirituality of the lay faithful. But years later, while still fulfilling its number 1 goal of instilling full Christian spirit into readers, it regressed on its secondary goal of advancing public opinion in accordance with Catholic teachings and precepts, as well as the Nigerian Constitution geared at promoting humanity and boosting development in the society.
Hence, for several months in 2020, The Catholic Herald weekly underwent a comprehensive rebranding exercise. The rebranding was a multi-platform makeover. The new brand identity was created to enhance its readership across its print and digital platforms. The reenergised design has made the paper stronger with an enhanced personality, accomplished through finer details of contrasting font types and colours that adhere to The Catholic Herald’s typography sensibilities. Its editorial departments and sections were also given refreshed looks and rejigged to be more appealing.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
