ABUJA/Nigeria: The Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) has launched an ambitious reform agenda aimed at strengthening its presence across Catholic dioceses, improving professional standards among members and fostering closer collaboration with diocesan communication offices as part of efforts to reposition Catholic media practice in the country.
The reforms come amid concerns over weak organisational structures in some diocesan chapters, funding constraints and reported communication gaps between Catholic media practitioners and diocesan directors of social communications—issues the association believes must be addressed to build a more effective communication system within the Church.
The resolutions emerged at the General Assembly and Leadership Training of Catholic Communication Bodies in Nigeria, held on Wednesday at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, where leaders reviewed the state of Catholic communications and outlined strategic priorities for the association.
Presenting CAMPAN’s report, National President, Sir Chimdi Oluoha, said the association is currently undergoing a rebuilding process focused on establishing vibrant diocesan chapters that will serve as the foundation for stronger provincial and national leadership.
He explained that revitalising local chapters remains central to CAMPAN’s long-term vision, noting that active diocesan structures would enable the association to deepen professional engagement, improve coordination and expand its national reach.
As part of that effort, CAMPAN has established a national digital communication platform to connect members across dioceses, facilitate information sharing and strengthen interaction between diocesan chapters and the national secretariat.
According to Oluoha, the association expects most diocesan chapters to become fully operational before the end of 2026, paving the way for the emergence of functional provincial leadership structures nationwide.
Professional development also remains a major priority for the association.
Recognising the rapidly evolving nature of media and communication practice, CAMPAN has continued to organise capacity-building programmes for its members through virtual training sessions and national conferences aimed at improving professional competence and ethical practice.
The National President recalled that the association successfully hosted its 2026 national convention in the Archdiocese of Owerri and announced that the 2027 convention will take place in the Archdiocese of Benin following approval granted by the late Archbishop Augustine Akubeze before this year’s World Communications Day.
To strengthen institutional planning, CAMPAN is also introducing a nationwide membership verification exercise through the issuance of official identity cards.
The exercise, which requires certification by diocesan chairmen before cards are issued by the national secretariat, is expected to produce the association’s first comprehensive and verified database of Catholic media practitioners across Nigeria.
While acknowledging progress recorded over the past year, the association admitted that significant internal challenges remain.
Among the immediate priorities are the completion of leadership structures at diocesan, provincial and national levels, the clarification of members’ responsibilities and benefits, and the ongoing review of CAMPAN’s constitution to reflect current realities and future aspirations.
Funding was also identified as a major obstacle to the association’s growth.
According to the report, the economic realities confronting Nigeria’s media industry have affected the financial capacity of many members, making it increasingly difficult for them to meet their obligations to the association.
Beyond internal reforms, CAMPAN drew attention to the need for stronger working relationships between diocesan chapters and diocesan directors of social communications.
The association noted reports from some chapters alleging inadequate consultation, limited collaboration and insufficient involvement of communication professionals in diocesan communication activities, despite their expertise often being sought during periods of crisis.
At the same time, the report acknowledged concerns expressed by some diocesan communication directors, who cited organisational weaknesses and inconsistent participation by certain CAMPAN chapters.
The association maintained that addressing these concerns would require continuous dialogue, mutual respect and a clearer understanding of the complementary roles both bodies play in advancing the communication mission of the Catholic Church.
To improve communication management within the Church, CAMPAN recommended that diocesan social communication offices should be led by individuals with professional training and practical experience in journalism, public relations, broadcasting or other communication disciplines.
It argued that appointing qualified communication professionals would enhance strategic media engagement, strengthen public information management and improve the Church’s ability to respond effectively to contemporary communication challenges.
The association further advocated the establishment of fully functional communication offices in every Catholic diocese, rather than treating them as part-time administrative units.
According to the report, such offices should operate as permanent information centres capable of providing journalists, researchers and members of the public with timely and credible information about diocesan activities and the wider mission of the Catholic Church.
CAMPAN also called for regular interaction among Catholic communication bodies across Nigeria, saying sustained engagement would deepen collaboration, reduce institutional misunderstandings and promote a more coordinated communication framework for the Church.
With plans to complete the restructuring of diocesan chapters, strengthen professional training, conclude the review of its constitution and establish a verified national membership register before the end of 2026, the association expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would position Catholic media practitioners to play a more strategic role in supporting evangelisation, promoting ethical communication and strengthening the public voice of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
The report was jointly presented by National President, Sir Chimdi Oluoha, and National Secretary, Sir Godwin-Maria Utuedoye.
