The Partner Newspaper

In a bid to harness the power of digital technology for evangelization, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina packaged a Signis Internationally sponsored workshop on Social Media Evangelization, Artificial Intelligence, and Online Reputation Management for the Catholic Priests and Religious working in the Diocese on Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Loius Catholic Church hall, Ijebu-Ife. The workshop brought together over 71 participants from various parishes and Religious Institutions within the Diocese.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Akiwowo, Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, delivered the first session on Social Media Evangelization. He emphasized the importance of leveraging social media platforms to spread the Gospel and connect with the faithful. He also dealt with emotional concepts like happiness, depression, and other emotional enablers for a better pastoral ministry.

The second session, facilitated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo, Director of Social Communications of the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, focused on Artificial Intelligence and Online Reputation Management. Fr. Adetayo provided practical insights on how to navigate the digital landscape and protect one’s online reputation. There were hands-on practical training on the use of Artificial Intelligence tools and participants at this session delivered immediate benefit of these tools.

The workshop also included a question-and-answer session and group discussions, which allowed participants to engage with the topics and share their experiences.

According to the participants, the workshop was impactful and enlightening, with many expressing their desire to receive further training on digital evangelization especially on Artificial Intelligence. This event underscores the Bishop’s commitment to helping the pastoral agents in embracing digital technology to spread the Gospel and connect with the faithful in the digital age.