The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin, has issued a stern warning that the proliferation of fake news, careless social media posts, and unethical communication practices are posing serious threats to society, families, and human relationships.
Warning at Communication Week
The Archbishop delivered this warning on Tuesday during a press conference and workshop marking the 2026 Communication Week of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan. The event was held under the theme, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”
Abegunrin lamented that the digital age has fostered a culture where people are increasingly treated as “content” rather than human beings, while truth is gradually being sacrificed for popularity and online attention. He noted that communication has moved beyond traditional newsrooms and broadcasting stations to influence almost every aspect of human life, including politics, religion, education, family life, and personal relationships.
“We live in a world where information moves faster than reflection. Everybody is speaking, but not many are truly listening anymore. We are digitally connected to many people, yet many hearts are becoming lonely,” he said.
The Centrality of the Human Person
The cleric stressed that beyond technology, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms, the human person must remain central in all communication engagements. “Every voice carries a story. Every face carries dignity. Every human being carries the image of God,” he emphasized.
Abegunrin warned that irresponsible communication now has grave consequences for society, noting that a single false report or manipulated story could destroy reputations, create social tension, and damage lives. “One careless post can destroy a reputation. One false report can create tension in society. One manipulated story can damage lives. Sadly today, many people forward information without even checking whether it is true or false,” he stated.
Call for Ethical Communication
The Archbishop emphasized the urgent need for ethical communication, urging journalists, media practitioners, and social media users to embrace truth, responsibility, and conscience in their engagements. “We need communicators who are responsible. We need communicators who are truthful. We need communicators who understand that words are powerful. Not every story must be sensational. Not every platform should become a battlefield. Not every disagreement should become hatred,” he added.
He challenged communicators to constantly reflect on whether their activities are helping to heal society or worsening existing divisions. “As communicators, we must ask ourselves constantly: are we healing society or damaging it further? Are we enlightening people or simply provoking emotions for attention?” he queried.
New Initiatives by the Archdiocese
The Archbishop also disclosed that the Archdiocese is concluding arrangements to launch a new official website as part of efforts to strengthen the Church’s digital presence and evangelisation activities. He said the Church must remain visible in the digital space with “hope, truth, clarity, and guidance,” especially at a time many young people encounter the world first through their mobile devices.
Abegunrin further revealed that the Archdiocese recently secured a new office apartment and studio space for the Directorate of Social Communications to improve media production, livestream broadcasts, digital evangelisation, and training programmes. He also announced the inauguration of the Archdiocesan Communications Commission to strengthen coordination, planning, and professionalism in the Church’s communication apostolate.
Message to Young People
Addressing young people, the Archbishop urged them not to lose their humanity in the digital world or measure their worth through online validation. “Use technology, but do not allow technology to control your mind, your values, your emotions or your sense of identity. Do not become prisoners of trends. Do not measure your worth only by online approval,” he warned.
He urged participants at the workshop to see communication as a tool for peacebuilding, truth, and hope rather than division and hostility. “May our communication always promote truth. May our voices continue to give hope. May our faces continue to reflect compassion and humanity,” he prayed.
