OWERRI – The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, has called on media practitioners to foster peace and unity through their work.
Obinna made the call during a homily on Sunday while celebrating a holy mass to mark the World Day of Communication at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri.
He referred to Pope Francis’s message for the day which said that “good communication helps us grow closer, know one another better and grow in unity”.
He pointed out that the spate of terrorism and insecurity resulted from improper communication, adding that the media could help to change things for the better.
Obinna urged the media to spread the message of peace and unity as its contribution to the restoration of peace in the country.
“The media should help to spread this message of unity to foster love and unity in our churches, states, countries and the ends of the world; we need a revolution of tenderness so we can live in friendly communion.
“The media should project the ideals, images and values that would strengthen our relationships and good neighbourliness across and beyond ethnic, religious, political and class divides which sow unnecessary hatred and violence,” he said.
The archbishop regretted that Nigerians did not trust one another well enough to be good neighbours and friends resulting in violence and continued tension.
“Divisions and hostilities based on differences in ethnicity, tribes, religions and culture all stem from our failure to realise that we are all one family under Christ, even non believers.
“We as Nigerians have failed to see, recognise and treat one another as fellow children, sons and daughters of God. That is why we do not trust one another enough to be good neighbours and good friends.
“The consequence is continuous tension, strife, war, abductions and bloodshed,’’ he said.
The archbishop prayed for the protection of media practitioners across the world and urged them to make truth their watchword.
He also prayed for God’s Intervention to end the insecurity in the country and for the safe return of the abducted Chibok girls.
Obinna further lauded the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, who was present at the mass, for his achievements while in office. (NAN)
