John Kayode AYODELE

 

Media professionals and entertainers on Sunday, May 17, 2026, gathered at the St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral to commemorate the 60th World Communications Day with a strong call for ethical responsibility in the use of Artificial Intelligence.

 

The event brought together members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and members of the Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN).

 

The celebration began with a concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye.

 

In his homily, Bishop Ajakaye reminded media practitioners of the sacred nature of their profession, stressing that human identity and creativity must not be surrendered to automation.

 

“Human faces and voices are sacred,” the Bishop said. “To preserve human faces and voices is to preserve the indelible reflection of God’s love.”

 

He also expressed concern over the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence on information ecosystems, warning against its potential intrusion into the deepest levels of human communication and truth.

 

Speaking at the reception for the media practitioners, the Ekiti Diocesan Director of the Social Communications Directorate, Rev. Fr. Anthony Oluwole Ijasan, appreciated Bishop Ajakaye for his fatherly support and commitment to the successful hosting of the landmark celebration.

 

He congratulated journalists and entertainers across the various professional bodies represented at the event and echoed the Bishop’s concerns on the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.

 

Rev. Fr. Ijasan urged media practitioners to be mindful and responsible in deploying AI tools in their daily operations, warning that its misuse could undermine truth, credibility and professional ethics.

 

The celebration also featured intellectual discussion and professional dialogue by the members of the pen profession while members of CAEAN also entertained guests with energetic stage performances that highlighted the irreplaceable value of human creativity and artistic expression.