The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has called on journalists to be agents of hope in a world increasingly overwhelmed by crisis and confusion.

Speaking during his homily at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, in celebration of the 59th World Communication Day, Bishop Onaga emphasized the need for media professionals to “communicate hope, not fear or despair.”

While making reference to this year’s theme — “Sharing with Gentleness the Hope That Is in Our Hearts” — the bishop described it as timely and deeply relevant, especially in light of global instability, wars, and social unrest.

Bishop Onaga did not fail to criticize some journalists who prioritize fame and financial gain over the responsibility to uplift society. He lamented a growing trend where some media practitioners exploit tragic incidents for clicks and clout, rather than first responding with humanity — saving lives and contacting families.

“Some rush to cover and post accidents instead of helping victims or alerting their families,” he said. “Journalism should serve the common good, not selfish interests.”

While stressing the importance of truth in journalism, the bishop advised that it should be delivered with sensitivity and empathy. “Coat the substance of the bad situation with sugar. Coat your wires in terms of communication to reduce shock,” he urged, highlighting the power of storytelling to inform without traumatizing.

He called on journalists to become healers of society, reminding them that their ultimate mission is to advance the future of humanity through words, ethics, and action.

World Communication Day is an annual observance by the Catholic Church to reflect on the role of media in society. The occasion was graced by various media organizations in the state- FRCN,ESBS,NTA, GOUNI Radio, ESUT Monitor newspaper, ESUT Radio.
Dignatories at the occasion include Vice chancellor, ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, SSA to Enugu State Governor on Strategic communication, Dr Collins Ogbu, General Manager, ESBS TV,

In his welcome address, the Director of Social Communication of the Diocese, Rev. Fr Anthony Aneke expressed delight and appreciation to all present noting that “Communicating hope is everyone’s job in this jubilee year of hope”. He invited all present for a lunch and other activities at the Jubilee Hall.

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By Joseph Joy and Eze Shedrack

Three bishops in Enugu and no fewer than 42 Priests on Thursday officiated the requiem mass of Mrs Lucy Ezinne Onuzulike Okolie, the mother of Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie.

Held at the St Michael’s Cathedral, Awgu Town, Enugu, the three bishops are: host and officiating bishop, Most Rev John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga and Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Professor Godfrey Onah who sent in a representative.

In his homily, a priest, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ilechukwu, admonished the congregation to be conscious of their relationship with God and humanity all the time.

He described the deceased as a virtuous and humble woman who never allowed affluence to get on the way of her relationship with fellow human beings.

Reverend Ilechukwu noted that the late Ezinne laid solid moral and educational foundations for all her children, adding that she was an ambassador of Christ on earth.

While lauding the giant strides of ESUT Vice Chancellor, he remarked that Prof. Aloysius Okolie’s administration had transformed the University through quality research outputs, improved staff and students welfare and critical infrastructure upgrade.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, Thursday, led other top government functionaries to grace the burial ceremony of late Onuzuluike Okolie.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, ESUT Governing Council, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, immediate past Vice-Chancellor ESUT, Professor Charles Eze, Commissioners for Water Resources and Environment and climate Change, Dr Felix Nnamani and Prof Sam Ugwu, respectively

Others include Enugu State Commissioner for Housing Development, Hon. Dr Martin Chukwunweike, who represented Gov. Mbah; former Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; former Commissioner for Information, Enugu State, Godwin Udeuhele; and more than 50 Reverend fathers.

Others were Principal Officers of ESUT, (past and present) Deans, Directors and Professors led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chike Nwoha and the Registrar Chief Ambrose Ugwu, Equally present were some Heads of other Tertiary Institutions, Captains of Industries, Traditional Rulers among other dignitaries.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Chike Nwoha, who spoke on behalf of the ESUT at the burial ceremony described the late matriarch as an exemplary christian and community leader.

He enjoined the Okolies not to mourn like the unbelievers, adding that life has no end for those who live in Christ. He also thanked the ESUT community for their massive attendance, support and solidarity to the Vice Chancellor at the solemn moment.

Aged 81, late Lucy Onuzulike Okolie died on March 5, 2024 leaving behind eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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The Head of Department, Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa has commended the Catholic Church in Enugu for organizing the 2024 World Communications Day.

The 58 Edition of the World Communications Day, held on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, drew crème de la crème in journalism in Enugu including members of ESUT Monitor Newspaper Reporters who attended in their numbers.
This year’s celebrtainon was themed “Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of Human Heart: for full human communication.”

A renowned media practitioner, and head of station, Udoka 100.3fm Enugu was the speaker during the occasion.

Speaking with ESUT Monitor reporters, Dr Ezinwa lauded the organisers for the choice of theme of the event.

He observed that the theme for this year’s celebration is apt given the dangers and opportunities inherent in the new technology.

He commended the Roman Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, on his message on the occasion which he described as incisive and insightful.
He thanked the bishop of the diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga who encouraged the congregation to continue their conversation on the theme of the event in their families to effectively utilize the opportunities provided by the technology and also avert its possible threats.

He noted that the department has introduced courses in the new curriculum to prepare the students to face the inherent challenges and opportunities provided by Artificial intelligence such as Fundamentals of Media Literacy.

On the fear that the Igbo language would have been used by the media to disseminate the message is going into extinction, Dr. Ezinwa explained that the department in the curriculum has introduced communication in the Igbo language as a 100-level course.

In his presentation, Mr Ụka charged the media practitioners to leverage on the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence by acquiring more knowledge in that regard.

On the fear that the technology has come to replace human intellect in performance of duties, the AI consultant noted that like every human inventions, AI provides a platform for journalist to upgrade their skills and be more professional.

Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga admonished media practitioners to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties. He noted that while the media is battling the intrusion of social media and it’s attendant propagation of fake news, Artificial Intelligence posses more dangers to the medai people and urged them to be professional and fine-tunie their report always before pushing it to the public.

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Radio journalists in Enugu State have been warned to stop “converting their stations to shrines” for the promotion and propagation of Africa Traditional Religious practices.

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev Calistus Onaga handed the warming to journalist in Enugu during the 58th edition of World Communications Day, organised by the Holy Ghost Cathedral, in Enugu on Sunday.

Speaking during his homily to commemorate the day, Bishop Onaga frowned at some radio stations who give out much airtime to Africa Traditional Religious worshipers to propagate their Idol worshipping.

“We know that information is power. Most radio stations in Enugu now spend quality time with the ATR people telling our people how to go back to idol worshipping. I want you to know that 90% of the residents of Enugu State are Christians. We are not against culture but we are against idol worshipping. You can promote culture but not idol worshipping

“That is what I want to tell the radio stations who feel that they can do anything. Stop converting your stations to shrines for the propagation of idol worshipping.

“Your rights and privileges stop where another’s start,” he said.

The 58th edition of the World Communications Day was held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.

Journalists from across the state and South-East region including ESUT Monitor attended the event.

World Communications Day is celebrated on May 12 every year to draw global attention to the power and influence of communication in shaping humanity.

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