Youths in Nigeria Urged to Embrace Technology, to be “digital evangelists” and Peacemakers

Abuja, 12 November, 2025 / 6:14 PM

The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has urged Nigerian youths to embrace their roles as digital evangelists and peacemakers by using technology and creativity to promote truth, unity, and peace in the West African nation.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a three-day national Youth Digital Animation Boot Camp, which the Catholic Secretariat organized, Fr. Michael Banjo expressed the Church’s desire to realize a “school of discipleship for the twenty-first century.”

According to Fr. Banjo, the boot camp is designed to form digital disciples who use technology to spread light in a world often filled with darkness.

“Our young people are not just learning technical skills. They are being transformed into digital evangelists. They will use creativity and technology to defend human dignity, promote understanding among people of different faiths, and build peace. They should become digital evangelists and peace makers,” Fr. Banjo stated during the November 11 interview 

The Nigerian Catholic official cited examples of Nigerian youths who are already using short videos, podcasts, and digital art to promote peace in conflict-prone areas. “They are living witnesses of what it means to be evangelizers in the digital age,” he said.

Fr. Banjo underscored the importance of sharing stories that heal divisions and foster unity among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

“One story that touched me deeply is that of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque during a bandit attack in Plateau State in 2018. That story speaks of humanity at its best. Whether Christian, Muslim, or traditional worshipper, every human life is sacred and must be respected,” he said.

The Catholic official urged young digital creators to focus on content that unites rather than divides, defending the dignity of all persons created in the image of God and promoting the work of evangelization

The Nigerian Catholic Priest further urged young people to be “digital peacemakers” in a nation plagued by insecurity and violence.

“Look at what is happening around us. Violence, displacement, and destruction, beyond all the labels, one truth stands: every human life is sacred. Violence against any person is an assault on our shared humanity,” he said. 

He reminded the youths of the national anthem’s call for unity, saying, “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand. The youths must use their media presence to “counter hate with hope, tell the truth with courage, and promote peace with conviction.”

Fr. Banjo noted that the Church’s mission in the digital age is to guide, inspire, and empower young people to use their talents for evangelization.

“Your laptops, cameras, and animation software are your loaves and fishes. Offer them to God. Work together with love, learn with humility, and create with purpose. You are not just content creators; you are evangelizers and builders of a more humane society,” he said.

The member of the Clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu Ode also called on government leaders to protect the lives and dignity of citizens.

“Government has a sacred responsibility to protect every Nigerian. When it fails, insecurity anywhere becomes insecurity everywhere,” he said. 

Fr. Banjo emphasized that young people trained in media can help rebuild trust in a society divided by fear and suspicion. “If you use your digital platforms to tell the truth with compassion, you will become instruments of peace,” he said.

 “The challenges of our nation are many, but so are the opportunities. Be proud of your identity as Nigerians. Let your creativity reflect honesty, respect, discipline, and compassion. You are missionaries of peace and builders of a new future,” he said.

The Nigerian Catholic Priest continued, “Communication itself began from the very heart of God. Creation was born through communication; God spoke, and the world came into being. We are made in the image of God, the great communicator, and we share His divine gifts—the power to speak, to create, and to connect.”

“Use your digital voice to heal and unite, not to divide. Our country is filled with anger and fake news, but we can choose to be different. Innovation is about creativity that solves real problems. Impact means making your work count for something bigger than yourself. Every digital message should serve a human purpose,” he said.