By Asoya Chukwudi
The year 2022 World Communications Day has been marked in Delta State with a call on journalists and media practitioners to always dignify God through their profession as well as report the truth at all times.
The call was recently made by the Bishop of Issele-uku Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Michael Elue during the 56th edition of the World Communications Day which was organised by the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Delta state chapter (CAMPAN).
In his homily, Bishop Elue who was represented by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Aduba urged journalists to be guided by the ethics of the profession of journalism and also report news that would respect the dignity of the job and not reporting to twist the truth and falsehood.
He said that fake news was very injurious as it defaced situations and could cause crisis if not properly handled , adding that untrue stories could spread faster and would be very difficult to eliminate as soon as it had been spread like a wild fire.
He said that every human being was called to be witness of Christ, stressing that heaven was the final point of focus for all human beings on earth just as he urged all individuals to stand up for the truth at all times.
He prayed for peace and God’s goodness on each and everyone as Nigeria faced crisis occasioned by the daily raise in insurgency, ritual and political killings.
The message of His Holiness Pope Francis with this year’s topic “Listening with the Ear of the Heart” was read by Comrade Sam Fejokwu who stressed on the importance of listening for effective communication which were decisive in the grammar of communication and a condition for genuine dialogue.
He also added that listening was undergoing important new development in the fields of communication and information through the various podcasts and audio messages available that served to confirm that listening was still essential in human communication in adherence with the humble nature of God.
High point of the ceremony was the installation of patrons and patroness and the presentation of awards of excellence to amiable personalities who had contributed to the development of the Catholic Church.
The awardees included the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocols, Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Prof. Lady Joan Okoh, Comrade Mike Akpotosevwen Okeme, Engr. C.C. Chukwurah, Chief (Ogbueshi) Mrs. Felix Ejoh, Sir Austin Mowah, Prince Mike Oputa and Ezinne Anthoina Maduemezia.
