By Neta Nwosu
Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper, The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper is set to hold its Centenary Lecture and Awards presentation themed, ‘The Nigerian State: Transcending
Challenges; Attaining True Nationhood.’
Slated for October 5, 2024, at ‘The Hall’, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 5, 2024, it would be chaired by Senator (Dr.) George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, and Publisher, The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper; Chief Host of the dual event, said the lecture will bother on examining the pitfalls to forging nationhood and recommend the way forward to achieving a cohesive nation.
In a statement on Friday, Archbishop Martins said the Lecture would be delivered by Most Rev. (Dr.) Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
He said, “Senator George Akume, a citizen whose credential is steeped in rich and robust experience as a civil servant, public administrator, politician and high-calibre national leader is very qualified to chair the event. He has, in the past 24 years, been a principal actor in the executive and legislative arms of government. In those capacities, he has made salient contributions, at subnational and national levels, to the building of Nigerian statehood under a
democratic dispensation.
“More so, Bishop Kukah is an authority that we can always bank on for a critical topic such as this. We believe that his presentation in this regard will be unparalleled and a centenary lecture on this theme will also be of great benefit to the nation and its citizenry.”
Archbishop Martins further disclosed that Mr. Femi Otedola is The Catholic Herald Man @ Centenary adding that a host of eminent Nigerians, lay organisations and institution would be honoured with distinguished award of the newspaper.
According to the Publisher of the Catholic Lagos Archdiocesan newspaper, the truly Nigerian newspaper played a pivotal role in the attainment of Nigeria’s independence through its
compelling news stories and editorials that spoke truth to the authorities.
“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,” Archbishop Martins remarked.
“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,” he added.
Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Director, Directorate of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos said the Centenary Lecture and Awards Presentation will be graced by top government
functionaries, political chieftains, captains of industries, religious leaders, royal fathers, elder statesmen, scholars, human right activists, lay leaders, the media and other relevant stakeholders for a robust and balanced dialogue.
Founded on June 21, 1924, The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper clocked 100 on June 21, 2024. The Centenary Lecture and Awards presentation is part of the year-long activities marking the 100 year anniversary of the newspaper establishment.
Recall that on Thursday, April 4, 2024, The Catholic Herald flagged off activities for its centenary celebrations at the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Lagos. It was marked with the unveiling of Centenary and Awards Presentation logos. Other commemorative events of The Catholic Herald @ 100 include showcase of The Catholic Herald Awardees, the 2nd
Lagos Archdiocesan Communications Conference and The Herald 100 (Thanksgiving Mass and
Presentation of Certificates).
According to Fr. Godonu, The Catholic Herald newspaper founded by Bishop Ferdinand Terrien, SMA was initially surnamed ‘Nigerian Catholic Herald’ and was published from St.
Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
He stated that as recounted by Fr. Peter McCawille, SMA, in his book, ‘Leaving Legacy in Lagos’, the Catholic Archdiocesan newspaper was “printed by the Vicariate’s St. Paul Press as a monthly (newspaper).
Fr. Godonu recalled, “For many years, it was the sole organ of public information and opinion for the Catholic Church throughout Nigeria. From a monthly, it appeared fortnightly and then weekly.” One Fr. Edward Peter Bermingham was very instrumental in its growth in the 1940s.
He was said to have run the newspaper from St. Paul Catholic Church, Ebute Metta and then from then St. Matthew Catholic Church, Yaba, infusing new life into the newspaper.
“Since then, the newspaper has passed through many hands ranging from Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu to Very Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh, and late Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Adebayo.
“The Catholic Herald newspaper surely has had its ups and downs. But here we are today celebrating 100 years of existence.”
