Felicia Ajolayò BABAJIDE

Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese has urged Media Practioners to be communicators of hope, emphasizing that their role is crucial in spreading the message of compassion and promoting peace in society today more than ever before.

At the 59th World Communications Day Celebration held at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, highlighted the importance of communicating hope every day, not just a one-off story but a continuous exercise.

He encouraged the faithful to remain hopeful and peaceful in the face of adversity, trusting in God's promise. He said, "Just as the hope of the risen Christ is promised to us, we must, as communicators, communicate this every day, and not as a one-off story but a continuous thing."

The Bishop highlighted the theme of the Jubilee year which is centered on “Hope," and encouraged everyone to live as pilgrims of hope. "All of us are pilgrims of hope, and we must live as such. Everyone should do his/her best to make the society a better place to live in." The Bishop added.

Stressing the need for self-examination and cautioning against losing hope, Bishop Ajakaye charged the faithful not to lose hope. He encouraged Media Practitioners to promote honest news and heartfelt trust to foster peace in society.

The Chief Shepherd of Ekiti Diocese, laying emphasis on the theme for the 59th World Day of Social Communications, "Share with Gentleness, the Hope that is in your Hearts” (1 Peter 3:15-16) , urged the people to live their lives according to what they preach, and to always spread hope, even in difficult situations.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Priests, Religious leaders, and Media Professionals, among whom were, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who was represented by the Head of Service of the Civil Service of Ekiti State, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; the Honourable Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ekiti State, Pastor Olusesan Alabi; the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele; Representative of the Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Professor Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa; the General Managers and other Principal Officers of Radio and Television Stations in Ekiti State.

Others are the Director of Social Communications Department of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Anthony Oluwole Ijasan, one of the Assistant Directors, Rev. Fr.  Aaron Luke Ochebo, the Chairman, Ekiti State Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi; Chairman of Ekiti State, National Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), Alhaja Adewumi Ademiju; Ekiti Diocesan Pastoral Council Chairman, Sir Albert Ogunsina KSJI; President of Ekiti Diocesan Catholic Laity Council, Prof. Francis Olu Ibimiluyi; and President of the Catholic Youth Organisation, Mr. Vincent Olaniyi Ajilu.

In his words, the Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, expressed his deep appreciation to God for making the event a success. He appreciated the Bishop who has been a stronghold to the Directorate of Social Communications in the Diocese and most importantly, towards the success of the 2025 World Day of Social Communications. He appreciated the presence of all the dignitaries present and everyone who made it a day with them.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for recognizing and celebrating the Journalists. He promised to organize a step-down workshop to discuss the resolutions from the 59th World Communications Day Symposium to fellow journalists.

The event took a sharp artistic turn when the Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) began a stage performance, Drum Ensemble, which commanded a very loud applause and standing ovation at the end from the audience. This was done to portray the beauty and message of the 59th World Communications Day.

The Local Ordinary of the Diocese expressed how delighted he was, seeing the group coming out again and in a new dimension. He encouraged them and promised to support and promote the Group if only they would continue that way as they have made him proud.

The celebration of the 59th World Communications Day ended with a call for unity and cooperation among the faithful and Media Practitioners. The Bishop's message was a reminder of the importance of responsible communication in promoting peace and hope in society.