Ruben Mario BRODRICK

Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika has been elected President of SIGNIS World, becoming the first African leader to helm the World Catholic Association for Communication. His historic election took place on August 7, 2026, at the conclusion of the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda.

 

1. ​A Legacy of Leadership and Academic Distinction

​Ecclesial Roots: Ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara in Imo State, Nigeria, Fr. Ihejirika transitions to the global role following a dynamic tenure as President of SIGNIS Africa, where he championed media as a tool for peace, evangelization, and human development.

​Academic Leadership:

A renowned Professor of Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, he previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. He is also an Associate Fellow at DePaul University's Centre for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology in Chicago.

​Advanced Education:

He earned his Ph.D. in Social Communication from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (2003) and holds a Master’s degree in Pedagogy and Communication from the Salesian University, Rome.

 

The New Global Leadership Team

​Fr. Ihejirika will lead an international Board of Directors dedicated to empowering Catholic communicators in the digital age:

 

​Vice Presidents: Pamela Aleman (SIGNIS USA–Canada) and Magimai Pragasam (India)

​Treasurer: Adriana Racasan (SIGNIS Europe)

​"Fr. Ihejirika’s election marks a pivotal moment for Africa and the universal Church, underscoring the continent's expanding influence in the global communication apostolate."