The training took place at St.theresa Catholic Church funtua Katsina diocese. It started with an opening prayer by the diocesean communications director (Rev Fr Victor Somadina Chibuzor) at 11am.
He gave his opening speech by briefing the participant on how effective communications can help grow the diocese and church at large by making reference to St. Gabriel Catholic Church Daura Katsina Diocese. It was the works of the communication team that made them recognized by a sponsor Engr Paul CJ Ume-Onyido.
The first speaker Fr. Victor Chibuzor Somadina gave a talk on the theme of the training (Effective communications in digital age). He stressed the need to help the church grow with the help of social media pages. "Our words, visuals, and tone should point people towards Christ and not negativity" said the director. He gave a good example of Katsina Post who gives accurate and verifiable reports on his page without exeggeration or compromise. Your posts must have truth, grace and clarity (Colossians 4:6).
"Good communications is not just sending, it's being understood" said the director. What affects communication is noise. Before you communicate, decide Who, what, which, and when (1 Corinthians 9:22).
He added that, Before posting, avoid sarcastic words, read, listen before you post. Do not use your page to post lies, false news (Proverbs 12:22). He further advised that the language people understand is very important in effective communications.
There are 5C checklist for every message.... Said the director, which are;
1. Christ centered
2. Clear
3. Consistent
4. Compassionate
5. Committed.
The second speaker Miss Monique Cosmas (Conducting an interview and dynamics), started by saying that as communicators, we are to evolve with the world. She defined interview as a conversation between 2 or more people. It is a structured way to gather facts, stories or perspective on a topic. You ask questions on issues people are interested in. She gave beautiful ideas on how and why we should make a good interview. Which are;
1. Informed consent
2. Respect and sensitivity
3. Avoid leading questions
4. Confidentiality
5. Accuracy
6. Power dynamics
The third speaker, Miss Judith Onwordi took the participants on making a good report as a news writer and the format of writing news.
The Four speaker, Mr Francis Emmanuel Nwankwo took the participants on Livestreaming and how to make a good Livestream for audience participation.
Lastly, Mr Moses Samuel (Iconic Graphics) who was the last speaker of the day took them through Digital Media and visuals representation. He put them through on how to make good videos and photographs.
Towards the end of the TRAINNING session, Practicals were done on photography, videos and interview sessions. Questions were asked and answered and the event came to a close with group photographs and a light refreshment for all participants.
Finally, out of the 8 Parishes within Funtua deanery, Five (5) Parishes were in attendance and they are;
1. St Theresa's Parish, Funtua.
2. St Mary's Parish, Gidan Korau.
3. St John of the Cross Parish, Gidan Kurma
4. St Joseph Parish, Gidan Maicibi
5. St Joseph Parish, Taforki
