AFRICA/NIGERIA - "We need to promote responsible use of social media, especially among young people"

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "Social Social media is where the people are and for leaders to reach out to youths of today, they must go through the social media. The social media can be used for greater good if we create a positive alternative to it", said Fr. Mike Umoh, National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), during a 3-day workshop on "Improving Communication Strategies in the Catholic Media in Nigeria".
In his report entitled "Overcoming the challenges of Social Media use in the mission of the Church in Nigeria" Fr Umoh cautioned youths against the circulation of destructive audio and video messages which he said could further create tension and violence in the country. The Head of Social Communications of the CSN urged young people to use social media for a positive development of the country in order to guarantee unity and peaceful coexistence of its citizens. Fr. Umoh also urged religious leaders to take advantage of the social media to evangelise and share useful contents to educate social media users.
Also, Dr Cletus Akwaya, the Editor-in-Chief of Daily Asset Newspaper, charged Catholic newspapers, to brace up to the challenges facing the industry. In his report entitled "Problems and prospects of successful Church newspaper in Nigeria", Akwaya said that the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria should coordinate the setting up of a Foundation for the Catholic Media services in Nigeria. The Foundation should serve as a funding platform for the Catholic Television, irs numerous diocesan newspapers, radio stations and the New Media. "Apart from mobilising funds from both local and foreign sources, the foundation will be expected to coordinate training of journalists and media workers and help in coordinating research activities".
Patrick Osu, the National President, Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), in his address of welcome, defined communication as a very vital instrument of life that promotes peace, love and reconciliation. Osu said that media practitioners should always report the truth always.
"We must use our positions well within the context of professional ethics to avert dangerous trends by exposing evil and always reporting the truth".
In their pressing appeals for peace and national reconciliation, the Nigerian Bishops have always recalled the responsibility of the media to report news correctly and not to spread violent propaganda and incitement to hatred, while urging young people to use social media responsibly. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 20/4/2021)

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