By Ogbaji Esther

The Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta on Saturday 3^rd May 2025 hosted a comprehensive media training seminar aimed at bolstering the news reporting capabilities of representatives from various parishes within the diocese at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral Hall in Itesi, Abeokuta, themed “Enhancing the Vision of Evangelization in the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta,”.

The event was graced by the presence of the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, underscoring the importance the diocese places on effective communication. The seminar featured a panel of esteemed guest speakers who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the attendees.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, served as the chief guest speaker. Fr. Adetayo was introduced as a Catholic priest with expertise spanning media, communication, and education that holds a master’s degree in media and communication from Pan-Atlantic University, a PGD in Education from Tai Solarin University of Education, and is a fellow of the National Institute of Public Relations, Ogun State Chapter. He also serves as the Principal of St. Anthony’s Grammar School (Private).

In his incisive presentation on “The Rudiments of News Gathering and Reporting,” Fr. Adetayo expertly navigated essential communication media theories, including normative and effect theories, elucidating the societal influences on media practice. He further provided practical guidance on the news research process, effective writing procedures, different news categories, and crucial ethical considerations that journalists must adhere to.

Fr. Adetayo’s presentation went beyond basic media theory, connecting it specifically to the role of Catholic news reporters. Regarding normative theories, he emphasized their unique responsibility to report truthfully, accurately, and ethically, aligning with Church teachings and the mission of evangelization, distinguishing this from secular practices. On effect theories, he explored how their reporting impacts the faith and unity of parishioners, referencing models like agenda-setting and framing the conversation. He told them to control the narrative always. Practically, he provided guidance on the news research process, stressing source verification and fact-checking. For writing procedures, he covered news structure, compelling leads, and clear writing, highlighting engaging storytelling. He also outlined various news categories relevant to the Church and underscored ethical considerations vital for Catholic journalists, including objectivity, fairness, and sensitivity to faith and doctrine.

Other notable speakers included Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, the Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, and Rev. Fr. Gregory Fadele, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta. Their contributions further enriched the training, offering diverse perspectives on media engagement and evangelization.

Bishop Odetoyinbo expressed his profound appreciation for the expertise shared by Fr. Anthony and offered his blessings for his continued success. The seminar fostered a dynamic and interactive environment, with engaging question and answer sessions that saw insightful contributions from Bishop Odetoyinbo himself, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the diocese in advancing its evangelization efforts through effective media engagement. The training is expected to significantly enhance the quality and reach of news reporting emanating from the various parishes within the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta.