A Testament to Communication and Service: Reflections from Nigeria’s Catholic Secretariat

Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social Communications, CSN

A Testament to Communication and Service: Reflections from Nigeria’s Catholic Secretariat

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria recently hosted a remarkable double celebration: the 60th World Communication Day and the closing of the 5th Nigeria Catholic Communications Week (ComWEEK).

In his address, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social Communications, offered a heartfelt reflection on the journey of the Church’s communication apostolate, its leadership transitions, and the enduring partnership with the media.  

Fr. Umoh began with gratitude, acknowledging the presence of clergy, staff, and members of the press as a testament to the vital alliance between the Church and the media in shaping a morally upright society.

He paid tribute to Most Rev. David Ajang, the immediate past Bishop Chairman for Social Communications, whose visionary leadership birthed initiatives such as the Nigeria Catholic Network (NCN) and the institutionalisation of ComWEEK. Ajang’s tenure, he noted, gave the communications apostolate “wings to fly.”  

The mantle now passes to Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, Bishop of Katsina Diocese, introduced as a “titan within communication.” With his academic background at the Catholic Institute of West Africa and pastoral zeal, Bishop Musa is expected to propel the apostolate to greater heights.  

Fr. Umoh also used the occasion to bid farewell, as his six-year tenure as National Director nears its end. Reflecting on achievements since 2020, he highlighted the revolutionised digital presence of the Church, the restructuring of communication bodies, and the strengthening of advocacy for accountability and good governance. He credited the press for amplifying these efforts with integrity and balance.  

As he prepares to hand over, Fr. Umoh appealed for continued solidarity with his successor, reminding the media and the Church of their shared duty to be the conscience of the nation amid socio-economic anxieties. He conveyed the gratitude of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, assuring journalists of the Church’s prayers for their protection.  

In a touching personal note, Fr. Umoh revealed that the day also marked his 58th birthday, a providential coincidence aligning his life’s passion with the global celebration of communication.  

The editorial closes with his blessing: “Long live the Comweek initiative! Long live the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria! Long live the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria! Long live the Catholic Church in Nigeria, and universally!”  

This address was not merely a ceremonial speech but a profound reflection on leadership, gratitude, and the enduring mission of communication in service to truth and the common good.

Below is the original message published as received: