The six-year tenure of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Nsikak Umoh as National Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has been described as a transformative period that repositioned Catholic communication in the country for the digital age.
Fr. Umoh, who assumed office in 2020, completed his non-renewable tenure at the end of August 2026, leaving behind a legacy marked by digital innovation, institutional restructuring, media training and increased visibility for the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
His tenure attracted commendations from Catholic bishops, clergy, religious, media professionals and lay faithful, who credited him with modernising the Church’s communication structures and strengthening its engagement with the wider public.
Before his appointment, Fr. Umoh had built extensive experience in communication as a scholar, producer and presenter of the Pelican Radio Series, as well as founder and pioneer director of the Centre for Media Development in Lagos.
On assuming responsibility for social communications at the national level, he reportedly identified the need to move the Church beyond traditional communication methods and embrace emerging digital platforms as essential tools for evangelisation.
One of the major initiatives associated with his tenure was the establishment of the Nigeria Catholic Network (NCN), a digital platform designed to improve the dissemination of Catholic news and increase the Church’s visibility in the public space.
He also introduced Communications Week (ComWEEK), an annual parish-level media literacy programme held across the country and culminating in the celebration of World Communications Day.
The initiative subsequently received endorsements from the Vatican Dicastery for Communication and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), with the Nigerian model attracting interest from other African Bishops’ Conferences.
Fr. Umoh also championed the introduction of modern communication training in major seminaries and other Catholic institutions, with the aim of preparing priests and pastoral workers for ministry in an increasingly digital environment.
Another major achievement attributed to his administration was the development of a harmonised operational structure for Catholic media organisations in Nigeria.
The restructuring brought greater alignment among bodies including the Catholic Directors of Social Communications in Nigeria (CDSCN), Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) and SIGNIS Nigeria.
His contribution to parish communication was further documented in his book, Enhancing Communication in the Parish Community, which provides practical guidance on communication and media engagement at the parish level.
The immediate past President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, formally commended Fr. Umoh for his service, describing his tenure as a period of transformation that brought the Church closer to the realities of the digital age.
According to Archbishop Ugorji, Fr. Umoh demonstrated “exceptional dedication, intellectual rigour, and administrative acumen” during his national assignment, while making significant contributions to the communication apostolate of the Nigerian Church.
The President of SIGNIS World, Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, also praised Fr. Umoh’s contribution, particularly his role as the pioneer secretary of SIGNIS Nigeria and the development of structures that are expected to remain part of his enduring legacy.
More than 287 tributes were reportedly received from bishops, diocesan communication directors, media professionals, classmates and lay leaders, reflecting the wide range of relationships built during his years of service.
Among those who praised him was Most Rev. David Ajang, Catholic Bishop of Lafia, who highlighted his visionary leadership and efforts to strengthen communication within and beyond the Catholic community.
The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, described Fr. Umoh as steadfast in service, while Most Rev. Bulus Yahonna, Bishop of Kontagora, praised his communication skills and ability to identify important elements in complex stories and writings.
Other media professionals also commended his leadership. A national executive council member of CAMPAN, Suleiman Adams, said Fr. Umoh created an environment where people felt valued and motivated, while Sir Olusoji Olagunju, founder of Lumen Christi Catholic Television Network, highlighted his role in elevating Communications Week to national and international prominence.
Veteran journalist and brand communications expert, Sir Tony Chiejina, described Fr. Umoh as highly professional and innovative, noting that his tenure produced initiatives that consistently attracted attention.
Clergy colleagues and former seminary classmates also reflected on his character and contributions. Rev. Fr. Francis Adedara, a member of the Bodija 1992 class, expressed pride in Fr. Umoh’s achievements, while Monsignor Bernard Okodua described him as a source of pride to the Archdiocese of Lagos and St. Anthony’s Parish, Gbaja.
Other priests, including Fr. Stephen Akinsowon, Fr. Yemi Sobiye, Fr. Thomas Ebong, Fr. Patrick Abem, Fr. Moses Iorapu, Monsignor Inyang Etoh, Fr. Charles Uganwa and Fr. Leo Ehiemere, similarly praised his innovation, administrative ability, professionalism, creativity and commitment to dialogue.
For Canon Victor Darlington, history would remember Fr. Umoh for raising the profile of social communications within the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
As he concludes his national assignment in Abuja, Fr. Umoh is expected to return to the Archdiocese of Lagos, where clergy and lay faithful have expressed their anticipation of his homecoming.
The Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor John Aniagwu, said the priests and lay faithful of the archdiocese were looking forward to welcoming him back and benefiting from his experience and commitment to the local Church.
After six years at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Umoh leaves behind a communication framework shaped by digital innovation, professional development and institutional collaboration.
His tenure has therefore been widely described as a significant chapter in the evolution of Catholic communications in Nigeria, particularly at a time when digital media has become increasingly important to evangelisation and public engagement.
