Pope Francis
The head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis has urged responsible use of the social network, adding that the social network should not replace human community.
The pope made this appeal in his message for the 2019 World Communication Day tagged “We are members one of another ( Eph. 4:25): From social network communities to the human community”, read to the Catholic community on the World Communication Day at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
In the message, the Pope explained that community is one that thrives on mutual listening and dialogue, adding that social network communities are not automatically synonymous with community.
Said he: “We need to recognise how social networks help us to better connect, rediscover and assist one another, but on the other, lend themselves to the manipulation of personal data, aimed at obtaining political or economic advantages without due respect for the person and his or her rights.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred A. Martins appealed to Nigerians not to allow the social network to replace human community, adding that it is most important for humans to invest in interpersonal relationship.
He urged Nigerians to be to be united at all times, as well as see themselves as one despite religious affiliations.
“When there is unity, there would be peace in the country” he said.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Martins said that the federal government has been subjected to several criticisms these past years and citizens expect things to change for good in the second tenor if the present administration.
“The president has told us in his various statements that the criticism of the past will drive him in this second term, and we are looking forward to it very seriously; particularly to the whole structure of this nation.
“The structure of Nigeria as it is today did not allow us to reach the maximum measure of development that we can have as a nation. We are happy that the president is talking about restoring the federal character that this nation ought to have” he said.
Speaking further on the federal character which he said was distorted during the military regime, the archbishop lamented that successive governments have not been able to reverse things in the country since the last 20 years of civilian rule.
“In terms of security, there are lots of killings going on of all groups of people; Christians, Muslims and all. This is a major area of concern and we expect that the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the one who has the responsibility over the police will throw out all the arsenal of government in ensuring that these killings are brought to an end for the masses to feel the presence of a government in the country”, he said.
Also speaking on the occasion, the president of SIGNIS, Archdiocese of Lagos, Lady Neta Nwosu said that the World Communication Day presents an annual opportunity for individuals, families, businesses, Churches and nations to look inwards to rethink their respective communication processes and strategies for better results in their various spheres of life.
“The theme of the World Communication Day, “We are Members One of Another; from Network Community to Human Communities,” is a call for everyone to utilise the social media responsibly in such a manner that we improve family ties as well as enhance growth of businesses and nations; in such a manner that we don’t put the social media to negative but positive uses.
“The theme is Pope Francis’ call against cyber bullying, campaign of calumny, fraud and other vices militating against security of lives and growth of the society”, she said.
