The Catholic Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, has called on Nigerians to adopt a culture of gentle and hopeful communication, warning that the growing spread of disinformation, hate speech and toxic content is fueling despair in society.
Speaking at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ilorin, during the celebration of the 59th World Communications Day on Sunday, June 1, 2025, Bishop Lawani urged media practitioners, content creators, and everyday citizens to resist the temptation of using communication platforms to provoke conflict, incite division, or spread fear.
“In a time when many voices on social media and digital platforms are spreading distorted information and toxic narratives, we must instead share the hope that is in our hearts, with gentleness,” the bishop said.
The event, themed “Share with Gentleness the Hope that is in Your Heart”—a message originally chosen by the late Pope Francis—underscored the urgent need for healing, empathy, and integrity in communication.
Bishop Lawani decried the increasing misuse of digital platforms in Nigeria, describing the unregulated space as a breeding ground for misinformation, fake news, and cyber bullying.
“Many are now crafting content not to enlighten, but to attack others or simply gain attention at the expense of truth and dignity. We see shows filled with verbal assaults, unethical skits, and provocative trends—this is not healthy for our nation,” he warned.
Reflecting on the message of Pope Francis, the bishop noted that true communication must move beyond the noise and competition of the digital age to offer something deeper—hope, respect, and understanding.
“The Pope reminded us that communication today often generates fear, not hope. It divides rather than unites. But we must not lose sight of our calling to be channels of peace and bearers of hope,” he said.
Addressing communication professionals directly, Bishop Lawani emphasized the moral responsibility they hold in shaping the tone of public discourse.
“Your duty is not just to inform, but to inspire. We must point society towards dialogue, not discord—towards healing, not hatred,” he stated.
He further explained that Christian hope is anchored in the promise of Christ—“a hope that is active, patient, and transformative. It is not mere optimism, but a living conviction that shapes how we relate with others.”
According to him, true hope cannot be hidden or hoarded. “If we possess hope, we must share it. Hope must reflect in our words, in our attitudes, and in how we treat those around us.”
He encouraged Nigerians to avoid impulsive reactions, especially on emotionally charged matters, saying, “Let us speak to the hearts of others. Even when it costs us something, even when our message seems ignored, we must still choose to spread hope.”
Bishop Lawani concluded by reminding the faithful of the words from 1 Peter 3:15-16: “Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in you, but do it with gentleness and reverence.”
“As we mark this World Communications Day and look toward the Jubilee Year as ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ let us make Jesus our model—the one who spoke not with anger but with truth, not to provoke but to heal,” he added.
He urged Christians and all Nigerians to pause, reflect, and commit to being messengers of peace in both words and actions.
“We have the grace to be alive in these troubled times. Let us use that gift wisely, by sharing hope,” the bishop concluded.
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