By Charles Igwe
In a significant move to strengthen ties and seek episcopal support, the national executives of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, on April 8, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State.
The delegation, led by the National President, Sir Chimdi Oluoha, was warmly received by Archbishop Ugorji at the Archbishop’s House. The purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the newly constituted national executive members of CAMPAN to the CBCN President and to discuss ways of fostering collaboration between the association and the Church hierarchy.
In his address, Sir Oluoha applauded Archbishop Ugorji for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Church in Nigeria. He introduced members of the national executive, including representatives from the Owerri Archdiocese, and provided an overview of CAMPAN’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach and consolidate its impact within the Church and the larger society.
He highlighted the association’s recent growth trajectory and reaffirmed its commitment to building on past gains to ensure sustainability. Among other initiatives, he announced the launch of CAMPAN MEDIA, a new YouTube channel aimed at broadcasting the association’s activities and extending its evangelization mission to wider audiences through digital platforms.
Sir Oluoha further appealed to the Archbishop to support the association by encouraging more dioceses across the country to actively participate in CAMPAN’s vision and programs.
In his response, Archbishop Ugorji welcomed the delegation with warmth and appreciation, congratulating them on their appointments. He described service in the Church as both a privilege and a responsibility, urging the executives to approach their roles with dedication and humility.
Recognizing the growing importance of media in evangelization, Archbishop Ugorji emphasized the need for CAMPAN to leverage social media and digital platforms more effectively to communicate the Church’s message. He encouraged the association to work in synergy with the CBCN through the National Director of Communications and the Bishop Chairman for Communications, especially in addressing concerns or initiating collaborative projects.
Following the audience with the Archbishop, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary to the Bishop, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.
Members of the delegation included Sir Chimdi Oluoha (National President), Igwebuike Stan-Mario (National P.R.O. 2), Chief Chidi Nkwopara (Owerri Archdiocesan President), and Chikezie Onyeabor (Umuahia Diocesan Vice President). Others were Ugoeze Violet Igwe, Chigozie Ukasoanya, Stanley Uzoaru, Obinna Ibole, and Stanley Okehie.
