By Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta convened a pivotal seminar on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, aimed at equipping parish reporters with the skills to amplify the diocese’s evangelization efforts. Held at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral Hall in Itesi, Abeokuta, the seminar, themed “Enhancing the Vision of Evangelization in the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta,” commenced at approximately 10:00 am.

The event garnered significant attention with the presence of the Local Ordinary of the Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo. His keynote address set an inspiring tone, emphasizing the critical role of communication, particularly in a world yearning for hope – a sentiment underscored by the Church’s recent Jubilee Year of Hope. Bishop Odetoyinbo urged the journalists present to uphold Christian values, prioritizing integrity and truth in their reporting.

Joining him were esteemed guest speakers who brought diverse expertise to the forum. Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo, Director of Social Communication for the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, delved into “The Rudiments of News Gathering and Reporting.” His presentation covered essential communication media theories, including normative and effect theories, alongside practical guidance on news research, writing procedures, news categories, and ethical considerations for journalists.

Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, the Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, addressed the crucial topic of “The Digital Economy and Empowerment.” He underscored the necessity for Catholic youths to cultivate digital skills and establish a strong online presence in today’s evolving landscape.

Rev. Fr. Gregory Fadele, the Director of Social Communications for the host Diocese of Abeokuta, presented on the “Vision of Evangelization in the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta through the Media.” He highlighted the communication department’s significant achievements while also addressing existing challenges, notably concerning the patronage of diocesan media productions, and proposed strategies for future growth. Also in attendance were Fr. Anthony Fashola; PMS Director of Abeokuta Diocese and Fr. Victor Adeosun who is assisting the Director of Communications.

The seminar fostered an interactive environment, featuring engaging question and answer sessions with insightful interventions from Bishop Odetoyinbo. The guest speakers adeptly addressed all queries raised by the attendees. Notably, the compelling presentations and the Bishop’s contributions spurred participants to immediately subscribe to and follow all the Diocese’s social media platforms.

Within the formal sessions, attendees benefited from a short tea break and an opportunity to share their perspectives and offer valuable suggestions for the advancement of the diocesan communication department.

The program concluded with a closing prayer, followed by group photographs and the presentation of certificates to the participants, marking a significant step towards a more digitally engaged and effectively communicative Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta. This is a testament to the efficiency of Fr. Gregory Fadele who coordinated all the programs seamlessly from planning to execution.