Clergy, Professionals Rub Minds on Challenges of Media at Parley

By Rotimi Famakin

Overcoming some of the challenges confronting media sector in Nigeria as well as the current dwindling economic took centre stage at a media parley organized by the Directorate of Social Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ibadan.

The event which climaxed the communication week of the church held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Oke Padre was preceded by the church mass and presentation of Pope Francis message on the Communication Day.

Addressing the participants, the Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN, Ibadan zonal Station, Mr Dominic Mokikan represented by the Deputy Director News and Current Affairs, FRCN, Ibadan, Mr Adewunmi Faniran said  Radio Nigeria had not lagged in the responsibilities of presenting both positive and negative public opinions to government.

Mr Mokikan, who said that FRCN would continue to maintain professionalism in informing and educating government and members of the public noted that FRCN possesses the institution and instincts for personnel career development.

Representatives of veteran journalists, General manager, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Mr Goke Adelokun and Director of Social Communication of the church, Reverend Father Anthony Akiwowo harped on the danger of unemployment posed by Artificial Intelligence for the active sector of Nigerian population, it’s dynamics in human relationship  and the need to harness the opportunities that comes with the new inventions for survival.

Earlier at a holy mass where Pope Francis message on 2024 Communication Day was presented to the church by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, The Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin said God instituted communication from creation, saying modern technology had simplified human communication system.

The Most Reverend  Abegunrin urged Nigerians to be guided by wisdom and engage Artificial Intelligence responsibly for human development rather than for destruction.

Addressing newsmen, the cleric condemned inadequacies of government that are currently reflected in the lack of infrastructure in all sectors of the country.

Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan while bemoaning the current labour wage also expressed displeasure over obsolete media gadgets still in use in some media establishments.

The cleric, however, urged professionals in the media industry not to be daunted but relentlessly present public aspirations to government without intimidation.

Aside special prayers for journalists, the event also featured thanksgiving for the church media men and executives, holy Communion and Bible reading.