By Samson Adeyanju

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has warned against the growing spread of fake identities, misinformation and digital disconnection in the media space, calling on journalists and social media users to embrace truth, responsibility and respect for human dignity in communication.

The warning was issued by the Chairman of the Department of Communications of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, during his homily and press conference at the 2026 World Communications Day celebration held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

Bishop Musa, who reflected on the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” said modern society is increasingly “digitally connected but personally and spiritually disconnected,” despite advances in communication technology.

He stressed that communication remains central to human existence, noting that “to live is to communicate,” whether through speech, writing, or digital platforms.

According to him, the Church sets aside World Communications Day annually to reflect on the responsibility that comes with communication, especially in an era dominated by social media and digital interactions.

Prayer and spiritual grounding in communication

Drawing from the liturgical readings, Bishop Musa emphasised the importance of prayer, describing it as the “master key” to perseverance, strength and spiritual revival.

He recalled the apostles who, after the ascension of Jesus Christ, gathered in the upper room in fear but turned their anxiety into prayer while awaiting the Holy Spirit.

“The upper room is a place of communion with God, revival and spiritual renewal,” he said, urging Christians to remain rooted in prayer amid modern-day pressures.

He added that prayer does not remove suffering but gives believers the strength to endure challenges with hope and joy.

Warning against fake identities and online abuse

Bishop Musa warned that social media platforms have become spaces where individuals hide behind fake names, anonymous accounts and false identities to spread hatred, lies, blackmail and cybercrime.

“When we come with unreal names and masks on social media, we are acknowledging that we are doing something wrong,” he said.

He compared such behaviour to criminals who conceal their identities while committing evil acts, adding that truth thrives in openness while wrongdoing hides in anonymity.

He also cautioned against treating people as statistics or objects, drawing from the philosophy of Martin Buber, which emphasises human dignity and mutual respect.

The bishop further highlighted how Jesus Christ consistently gave voice to the marginalised, including the Samaritan woman, the woman caught in adultery and the blind Bartimaeus, stressing that society must not silence vulnerable voices.

According to him, preserving human voices means allowing people to speak from their lived experiences rather than speaking over them.

Bishop Musa urged media practitioners and social media users to use communication tools responsibly in promoting truth, evangelisation and human dignity.

“Speaking the truth in love is not only about projecting our voices, but doing so with charity and responsibility,” he said.

CSN Scribe urges responsible journalism ahead of elections

The Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo, also called on journalists to uphold responsible journalism and defend truth as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.

Fr. Banjo warned that communication must not become “a weapon of injury” in a country already facing insecurity, economic hardship and political tension.

He stressed that preserving human voices and faces requires verifying information before publication to prevent misinformation from damaging reputations or destabilising communities.

According to him, journalists must avoid hate speech, sensationalism and divisive narratives that reduce citizens to ethnic, religious or political labels.

“The answer to misinformation is responsible journalism; the answer to propaganda is truth,” he said.

Fr. Banjo also called for transparency in the electoral process, especially in the electronic transmission of results, insisting that every vote must count and reflect the true will of the people.

He urged journalists not only to highlight challenges but also to report positive developments that strengthen national unity and hope.

The CSN scribe thanked the media for their continued partnership with the Church in promoting justice, peace and accountability.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to “speak truth without hatred, listen without prejudice, and use every platform in service of the common good.”

Fr Umoh celebrates birthday, reflects on six-year tenure

The National Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, also used the occasion to reflect on his six-year tenure as he addressed journalists at the same event, which marked the 2026 World Communications Day and the closing of the 5th Nigeria Catholic Communications Week (ComWEEK).

Fr. Umoh described the event as a “double celebration,” noting both the global communications observance and the conclusion of a nationwide media literacy programme carried out across Catholic parishes and chaplaincies.

He expressed gratitude to the media for their collaboration with the Church, describing journalists as key partners in amplifying the Church’s voice and strengthening public discourse.

According to him, the media and the Church share a “sacred duty to be the conscience of the nation,” especially in challenging socio-economic times.

He also paid tribute to the immediate past Chairman of the CSN Communications Department, Most Rev. David Ajang of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, commending his leadership in establishing key reforms, including the Nigeria Catholic Network (NCN) and the institutionalisation of ComWEEK.

Fr. Umoh introduced the new Chairman of the CSN Department of Social Communications, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, describing him as a “communications scholar and seasoned shepherd,” and expressed confidence in his leadership.

Reflecting on his tenure since 2020, he said his administration worked to strengthen the Church’s digital presence and unify communication structures, while acknowledging that further work remains.

He thanked the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), his Archbishop Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, and the media for their support throughout his service.

In a personal note, Fr. Umoh revealed that the celebration coincided with his 58th birthday, calling it a “providential coincidence” and a meaningful milestone in his ministry.

The event ended with prayers for the media, the Church and Nigeria, and the formal closure of ComWEEK 2026.