Words of encouragement for communications directors

I n this time of Global Challenge It is indeed a time of global crises as a result of the ravaging effects of the Corona Virus pandemic, and our country, Nigeria, is no exception. Like all other stakeholder groups in the country, I am sure you will agree with me that we also have a major role to play in helping to bring the situation under control, especially within our immediate community environment. In this respect, I wish to state that we have a double role to play by virtue of our vocation as priests and Religious of the Catholic Church; and secondly, as the principal agents of Church’s communications apostolate. I wish to appeal to us not to feel unconcerned but be involved in our own little way, by joining the Church and collaborating with the government and other stakeholder groups in helping to find solutions to bring the pandemic under control and prevent untimely deaths in our country. We have a major role to play in this perspective as directors of communications, by educating the people of our ecclesial community and dissemination correct, genuine and accurate information about the dangers of the virus, how to counter it through observance of simple hygienic rules; and informing necessary government agencies, whenever we observe a possible case. At the same time, we must also conform with the simple rules and regulations connected with control of the virus. Our Collaboration, Strength of our Unity As I admonished in my last address in Warri, Delta State; for our association to grow from strength to strength in all ramifications so as to be able to serve, the Church, the faithful and our community in the right perspective, there is the absolute need for us to cooperate and collaborate in all that we do in our apostolate, for the common good of all. We must continue to be our brothers’ keeper and respect each other in all that we do or say. Humility in the service of humanity is a virtue and it is to paramount our calling as servants of Christ and His faithful. Therefore, there is need for us to be more pragmatic in the discharge of our duties, pastorally and spiritually; and our primary goal should be to be the model for the communication profession in our country. In this respect, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria(CSN) in collaboration with the Centre for Social Communications and Culture (CESSACC) at the CIWA, has with our approval and support produced a Code of Ethics for Catholic Media Professionals in the country, and this has been published by the Secretariat as a policy document to guide our practice of the profession. While thanking the CSN and CESACC for a job well done, I admonish that we get copies of this document and encourage all our Catholic communicators, not only to get a copy but also be guided by these ethics in their practice.