Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

As the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan joined Catholic Church worldwide to celebrate 2026 ComWEEK; Archbishop Abegunrin has called on all men and women to learn to communicate with conscience in this age of communication which no longer happens in the newsroom or television stations.

The Archbishop, who was addressing a Press Conference at Pastoral Institute, Bodija on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026 stated that beyond the screens, beyond the cameras, beyond the microphones, beyond artificial intelligence and digital platforms, there is still the human person. He lamented the situation where people now easily become ‘content’ instead of persons, hence, the theme of the 2026 ComWEEK: “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”

His Grace added that the Church cannot remain silent but to remind people that communication is about people, about the truth, about responsibility, about conscience and about human dignity. Parts of the Church’s efforts, he said, included the creation of a website to improve communication across the Archdiocese, provision of an office apartment and studio space (currently undergoing renovation) for the Directorate of Social Communications at PI and inauguration of the Archdiocesan Communications Commission.

The Prelate also spoke about the situation in the country, especially, insecurity and the coming general elections. He enjoined that all continue to pray and advise the leaders and politicians, since we have no means to force them to do what we think is good for all.

The Archbishop appreciated the attendees and also declared the workshop for the celebration open after the Press Conference. Vote of thanks was given by Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi.

The invited Speakers: Rev. Fr. Linus Nnkemjinaka SDB and Mrs Rite Oniseitan Olajide-Kayode also spoke on the need to preserve human faces and voices, since AI tools have almost taken over communication space. They enjoined all to distinguish themselves by doing what is right and not what the majority is doing.

The Speakers buttressed the fact that all embrace the use of social media for the evangelization, which is the primary responsibility of the Church. “Let us make our voices and faces count.” Fr. Linus advised. There was questions and answers section after each talk.

The workshop had in attendance Priests, Religious, Lay organizations, Catechists, Sunday School teachers and members of Media Practitioners and Directorate of Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Ibadan. Vote of thanks followed each talk by member of the Directorate of Social Communications.

The event continues on Sunday, May 17, 2026 with a thanksgiving Mass and blessing of Media Tools as well as reception/interaction with the Archbishop at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, Oke – Padi, Ibadan.