Yemisi Izuora
A communications expert, Mrs. Angela Makinwa, has challenged the media on factual reporting, highlighting the importance of being professional especially in the era of digital journalism.
Makinwa, addressed key media industry operators and practitioners during the 2025 Catholic Communications Week, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, with the Theme: Hope Through Truth – Proclaiming Christ in the Digital Age
She reminded the audience made up of journalists, media professionals, entertainers, bloggers, and communicators within the Church that they are the voices that shape our culture, inform our thinking, and influence how we perceive the world.
She noted that the theme—“Hope Through Truth: Proclaiming Christ in the Digital Age”is not just a catchy phrase but a divine mandate.
She drew inspiration from a verse that captures the heart of what we do as communicators, citing Proverbs 16:24 (NIV), which says “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
What a powerful picture. It reminds us that our words—when chosen with grace—carry healing. They restore. They offer hope.
She cautioned that in today’s world, words travel faster than ever and one post, one tweet, one headline—can uplift a nation or tear one apart.
Further driving her point through another scripture, Proverbs 18:21: which says,” The tongue has the power of life and death…” she asked, “What are our words doing in this digital age? Are we spreading truth and hope—or fear and division?
Speaking directly to journalists and bloggers: she said, “You’re truth-tellers. In a world drowning in misinformation, your integrity is your ministry.
To the entertainers and content creators: You shape emotions. You lift spirits. You can make people laugh and think deeply.
To the church communicators: You are the digital scribes of today. What you publish doesn’t just inform—it ministers.”
Using another Bible quote from Ephesians 4:29 (NIV), which says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…” she urged communicators to use their voice objectively. “Your voice is powerful. Use it to build.” she added.
Makinwa emphasized that truth must never be separated from grace. Gracious communication is strategic—it builds bridges rather than walls. Colossians 4:6 exhorts:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…”
This balance means telling the truth boldly but kindly, correcting with humility, and engaging online without toxicity.
She said Jesus Christ was presented as the ultimate model—full of grace and truth (John 1:14). His approach to communication—telling stories, asking questions, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent—serves as the blueprint for digital engagement today.
Digital Platforms as Modern Pulpits
In an inspiring reminder, she said that every digital platform—Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube—is a pulpit. One does not need a collar or title to proclaim Christ; all that is required is a voice and a Wi-Fi connection. Isaiah 52:7 was quoted:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news…”
The message was clear: let every post, story, tweet, or video be the good news that someone finds in their darkest hour.
Returning to the anchor verse, the Makinwa urged communicators to carry hope into a hurting world, to speak healing into broken spaces, and to be Christ’s voice in digital realms. Romans 10:14 was cited to remind every one of their vital role.
Each communicator is a preacher, messenger, and light bearer, she added.
She concluded with a heartfelt prayer, recommitting words and platforms to God’s service:
“Lord, use my voice to bring healing. Let my words be gracious and truthful. Let my posts inspire, my stories bring hope, and my platforms proclaim Christ in a digital world desperate for light.”
She urged all Catholic communicators to embrace their role as bearers of hope and truth in the digital age. It challenges all who speak, write, and create online to wield their words with grace and integrity, transforming digital spaces into places of healing and light.