L- R: Anthony Godonu, director, directorate of social communications, Archdiocese of Lagos; George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Neta Nwosu, editor, The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper, Archdiocese of Lagos; and Patrick Alumuku, director, directorate of social communications, Archdiocese of Abuja, during the courtesy visit of The Catholic Herald team and partner to Akume recently in Abuja.
BY Pelumi Bolawa
The Catholic Herald, one of Nigeria’s oldest newspapers, is set to hold its centenary lecture and awards presentation.
Published weekly, The Catholic Herald was founded on June 21, 1924 by Ferdinand Terrien, the late bishop of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebute Metta, Lagos state.
It was first named ‘Nigerian Catholic Herald’ and published by the church as a monthly newspaper.
It was later produced bi-monthly until it became a weekly publication.
In a statement, the publication announced that its centenary lecture and award presentation will hold on October 5 in Lagos.
The publication also noted that the occasion will be chaired by George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
Adewale Martins, the publisher of The Catholic Herald, is the chief host while Matthew Kukah, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, will deliver a lecture on ‘The Nigerian State: Transcending Challenges; Attaining True Nationhood’.
The archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos said the lecture will “examine the pitfalls to forging nationhood”.
Speaking on the selection of guests, Martins described Akume as a citizen “whose credential is steeped in rich and robust experience”.
He disclosed that the SGF was named as chairman because of his “salient contributions” at subnational and national levels to the building of Nigeria.
The cleric described Kukah as “an authority to rely on” for public lectures, adding that his teaching will benefit the nation.
Martins also said Femi Otedola, the businessman, will be awarded The Catholic Herald’s ‘Man @ Centenary’.
“Its original concept of a distinct nationalist and democratic orientation beyond its primary goal of enhancing the Catholic spirituality of the lay faithful is still at the heart of The Catholic Herald’s editorial operations till date,” he added.
“We have made history together with the Nigerian nation. Post amalgamation, pre-independence, independence, and through the phases of the nation ever since, the newspaper has been marching hand-in-hand with Nigeria and its citizenry availing Catholics compelling editorials that fully instill Christian spirit as well as engendering a peaceful and just society utilising a host of resources and media technology.”
Anthony Godonu, the director of social communications at the Archdiocese of Lagos, said the ceremony will host dignitaries from different walks of life.
The Catholic Herald began its celebrations activities in April with the unveiling of its centenary and awards presentation logos.
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