Anambra State Government through the instrumentality of its ICT Agency Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA has declared Government’s readiness to work with the Church in her efforts to boost communication through the effective use of technology. Mr. Agbata shared this exciting development during the recently concluded Communications Week seminar series organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, in recognition of the Church’s significant responsibility and capacity to have a meaningful impact on society at all levels.
The seminar which was themed “Speaking with the heart, the truth in love Eph4:15” played host to members of the Catholic Men Organization, Catholic Women Organization, Catholic Youth Organization, Association of Catechists, Students, and Proprietors of Catholic Schools, amongst other individuals. It was held at the Trinity School Hall of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha and provided a befitting platform for Mr. Agbata to convey his message on the importance of effective communication.
Highlighting the transformative potential of technology, Mr. Agbata emphasized that technological tools are game-changers capable of simplifying tasks and driving rapid change. He encouraged church leaders to proactively educate young people about the positive uses of technology by establishing digital hubs that will be made available to the general public. On this note, he assured the Church of government’s support in any available capacity.
He further stressed the importance of embracing prevalent technology trends and utilizing practical digital resources to reinforce messages, even from the pulpit. He urged church leaders to keep pace with the world’s technological evolution and leverage social media platforms for improved communication. In his words, “Anambra state is coming up technology wise and Governor Soludo wants everyone to key-in especially as technology is no respecter of age, class or experience, even if all you do with the skill learnt is evangelism”.
Mr. Agbata in recognizing the urgency of the matter, emphasized the need for church leaders to undergo training in effective technology-driven communication. He expressed the readiness of the State’s ICT Agency to collaborate with the Church in organizing training sessions for church leaders and youths. The focus would be on the core use of technology, leveraging productivity tools, avoiding distractions masquerading as productivity, and aligning with Governor Soludo’s agenda for digital transformation.
The ICT Boss highlighted recent technological advancements made by Governor Soludo, such as the provision of 200 latest-generation laptops and desktop computers to civil servants and political appointees; government’s collaborations with academic institutions for IT training programs, and the integration of technology in project management, a recent partnership with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Also present at the event was the Technical Adviser to the ICT Agency MD, Rev. Canon Sunday Folayan. In his talk, he emphasized the need for the Church to communicate within relevant contexts and encouraged the use of technology to aid contextual communication and the spread of the gospel. He emphasized that technology in itself is not corrupt and went on to highlight the importance of responsible and positive usage, particularly for the growing population of tech-savvy youths.
Praising Governor Soludo for his visionary plans to transform Anambra, the Director of Communications, Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. George Adimike emphasized the significance of communication for survival in all aspects of life. He also commended the ICT Agency MD for dedicating time from his busy schedule to share his valued ideas with the Church.
Partnership between the Anambra State Government and the Church holds tremendous promise for digitally transforming the state across all societal levels. The government’s enthusiasm for this collaboration underscores the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead in creating a prosperous homeland, in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of digitally transforming Anambra State.