The Director of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, has urged the Church in Nigeria to step up efforts to “occupy the digital space” or risk losing a generation of young faithful increasingly shaped by online culture. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Catholic Herald to mark his 50th birthday, the social communications and media expert said engaging young people and strengthening their faith can only be achieved if the Church becomes fully present where youths spend most of their time — on digital platforms.
“There’s only one way to achieve engagement with young people, and that is to occupy the digital space,” he declared. “We must become digital missionaries if we are to strengthen their faith.” Fr. Godonu stressed that Catholic media must rise to its prophetic responsibility by serving as “the conscience of society,” promoting moral values and fostering national development. According to him, in an era dominated by social media the Church cannot afford to be silent or passive. “The Catholic media must continue to be the voice of the voiceless, giving hope to the hopeless,” he said, urging practitioners to “flood Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X and TikTok with Catholic content so that there will be no hiding place for evils.”
On vocations, the priest advised young men discerning the call to the priesthood to remain focused and seek credible mentorship, while staying deeply rooted in the teachings of the Church. Reflecting on his golden jubilee, Fr. Godonu described turning 50 not as a mark of arrival but a renewed call to growth. “It is still a moment of learning, relearning and unlearning,” he said, praying for “holy, healthy and happy years ahead” in faithful service to God and the Church.
Catholic media must rise to its prophetic responsibility by serving as the conscience of society, promoting moral values and fostering national development. In an era dominated by social media, the Church cannot afford to be silent or passive
Interview
It has been a journey of God’s providence and graciousness – Fr. Godonu.
As Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Director of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos, clocks 50, he reflects on a life shaped by divine providence—from his early days in Badagry to the priesthood and leadership in Church media. In this interview with the Editor, NETA NWOSU, the communications expert speaks on digital evangelisation, challenges facing Catholic communications, pastoral experiences, and his enduring commitment to faith, service, and national development
As you approach your 50th birthday, how do you reflect on your jour ney from Badagry to the priesthood, and leadership in Church communications?
Well, it has been a journey of God’s providence and graciousness, and I’m just grateful for the gift of life and the priesthood. As a young man, my intention was to become a Petroleum Engineer, hoping to Study at Petroleum Institute, Warri, Delta State. But God surely had other plan and that is to serve Him in the Holy Priesthood. For me, the place I find myself today is only due to God’s unending graciousness and providence. Hence, I’m grateful to God, My late parents, my home parish community at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Badagry, and indeed, priests who have mentored me in this journey so far!
Having studied Social Communications in Rome, how has that exposure shaped your approach to evangelisation and media engagement in today’s digital age?
Well, Social Communications as a field of study has not always been my dream as a priest for further studies. But again, providence took over here when I was called by Anthony Cardinal Okogie, the Archbish op Emeritus of Lagos to proceed on one year studies in Social Communications in 2010. That turned out to be the best encounter of my life. Social Communications became my beloved expertise. And I’m grateful for the opportunity it has offered me so far. Of course, I studied Intercultural Communications in the context of Evangelisation with specialisation on New Media, especially Social Media. That so far has helped and shaped my perspective on the path and direction of Christian Evangelisation.
You were appointed as Acting Director of Social Communications for the Archdiocese of Lagos by Alfred Adewale Martins in 2019,how would you assess the progress and impact of your work in strengthening social communications in the Archdiocese over the past seven years?
Indeed, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins appointed me as the Acting Director of Social Communications on the 1st of April 2019. Since then, we have undertaken a number of reforms that have helped the Directorate to be new media compliant. With the help and support of robust team of the Archdioc esan Communications Commission, we were able to give a new look to The Catholic Herald Newspaper, with a strong online presence, we have organised and executed a number of seminars for both the Lay faithful and the clergy, we have carried out a number of IT/Media trainings and empowerment for the unemployed youths, and since taking over as the Director of Social Communications, the Directorate has become the mouthpiece for the Archbishop and the Archdiocese.
What are the major challenges facing the Catholic Church’s Communication mission in Nigeria today, especially in an era dominated by social media?
Hmmmmm, the major challenge facing the Catholic Church’s Communication is funding. The financial incapacitation hovering over the Church’s Communications Departments is quite huge with deficit in all directions. Those of us still staying above the water are merely floating. Of course, not to say the least of Social Media that has swallowed up the mainstream media which is where many of our Diocesan Catholic Newspapers are having the biggest challenge these days. But we have to keep pushing. Surely and steadily, we shall get it right and get there someday.
You have served in several parishes across Lagos, from Ajegunle to Festac Town and now Victoria Island. What pastoral lessons from these diverse communities have most influenced your priestly vocation?
Social Communications became the best encounter of my life. That opportunity in Rome shaped my ministry profoundly. We have made Church communications new media compliant. Today, the Directorate is the mouthpiece of the Archdiocese
