Catholic bishops to hold Africa Communications Assembly in Nigeria

Nigeria is set to host Catholic bishops and communication experts across Africa, as they gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS).

In a statement, yesterday, President of CEPACS, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, said the event, which is billed to hold November 18-21, 2023, in Lagos, would be attended by the Bishops’ chairmen from each region of Africa; the standing committee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), invited heads and officers of various communications’ outfits and schools in Africa, including other expatriate dignitaries from outside the assembly.

Founded in 1973 by SECAM for the Church in Africa, CEPACS was given the mandate of promoting the use of modern means of mass communications as tools of evangelisation.

Badejo, who chairs the continental organising committee, has constituted a local organising committee in Lagos, comprising communications’ experts, both priests and lay faithful and other church functionaries to ensure a hitch-free 50th celebration.

President of CEPACS, who is also the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo, urged the committee to ensure that the participants, drawn from the eight regions of Africa, enjoy an unforgettable experience during the historic celebration.

The committee is headed by Founder/Chairman of Lumen Christi Television Network, Sir Robert Soji Olagunju, while a renowned Chartered Accountant, John I. Nejoh, is to serve as Secretary.

National Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh; Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr. Anthony Godonu; Rev Fr. Andrew Kante from Kenya and Rev. Fr. Dieu-Donne Kofi Davor, Director of Communication, GCBC, are also part of the committee.

Badejo said the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), was excited at the prospect of hosting the delegates that will also include high ranking church officials from the Vatican City, Rome.

According to the statement, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, has lauded the choice of Lagos as venue of the 50th celebration. He has also given his full support and enjoined the LOC members to be at their utmost best, promising to be on ground to welcome the delegates from across Africa.

“We are happy that CEPACS has chosen Lagos as the venue for their 50th anniversary celebration. By the grace of God, with the quality of personalities serving on the LOC, and with the support of the entire people of God in the Archdiocese, I believe that the event shall be a resounding success,” the renowned clergyman added.

The thanksgiving/opening mass will take place at The Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, and will be broadcast live.