The Bishop of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye has called on media professionals to involved themselves more in investigative journalism with a view to giving reports and communication credibility.
Bishop Ajakaye made the call at this year’s World Communication Day held at the Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti.
This year’s World Communication Day with the theme “Come and See” had the Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi, the General Manager, Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, BSES, Mr Olurotimi Popoola, Media professionals from across the State among others in attendance.
Bishop Ajakaye told the congregation that Pope Francis said that there should be no room for Armchair journalism, where a journalist based his or her report on mere speculation.
According to the Catholic Bishop, media professionals must be more engaged in positive report rather than negative report which had been the order of the day.
Most Reverend Ajakaye explained that social media, through digital technology gives timely first hand information that is often quite useful.
He said that journalists should be applauded for their efforts, which enables the world to know the hardships endured by persecuted minorities in various parts of the world.
On security Bishop Ajakaye decried the rate of kidnapping, maiming and killings in the country urging Government to be proactive in ending insecurity.
Media professionals at the service led by the Ekiti State Head of Service later danced to the altar for special thanksgiving.
Speaking with BSES, Mrs Peju Babafemi thanked the Catholic Church for associating with the people in the media, saying this would put them on their toes.
Some Media professional interviewed after the Mass thanked God for witnessing this year’s World Communication Day with a promise to continue to be agent of social change.
The World Communications Day was established by Pope Paul VI in 1967 as an annual celebration that encourages reflection on the opportunities and challenges that the modern means of social communication afford the Church to communicate the gospel message.
