The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin, has issued a strong warning against the spread of fake news and careless social media posts, stating that these unethical communication practices pose serious threats to society, families, and human relationships.
Warning During Communication Week
The archbishop delivered the warning yesterday during a media briefing and workshop organized to mark the 2026 Communication Week of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan. The event was themed “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”
Abegunrin lamented that the digital age has fostered a culture where people are increasingly treated as “content” rather than human beings, and truth is gradually sacrificed for popularity and online attention. He stressed that communication has moved beyond traditional newsrooms and broadcasting stations to influence almost every aspect of human life, including politics, religion, education, family life, and personal relationships.
Centrality of the Human Person
The cleric emphasized that beyond technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital platforms, the human person must remain central in all communication engagements. He warned that irresponsible communication now has grave consequences for society, noting that a single false report or manipulated story can destroy reputations, create social tension, and damage lives.
Abegunrin therefore underscored the urgent need for ethical communication, urging journalists, media practitioners, and social media users to embrace truth, responsibility, and conscience in their engagements.
New Website Launch
The archbishop disclosed that the Archdiocese has concluded arrangements to launch a new official website as part of efforts to strengthen the church’s digital presence and evangelization activities. He said the church must remain visible in the digital space with “hope, truth, clarity and guidance,” especially at a time when many young people encounter the world first through their mobile devices.
Advice to Young People
Abegunrin also cautioned young people against allowing technology, social media trends, and digital algorithms to erode their humanity, values, and sense of identity. He expressed concern that many young people now measure their self-worth through online approval and virtual attention, warning that such dependence could have damaging emotional and social consequences.
“Use technology, but do not allow it to control your mind, values, emotions or sense of identity,” he said.
