Nigeria’s worsening brain drain has reached a crisis point, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Abuja Archdiocese warned, noting that more than 16,000 doctors—and countless other skilled professionals—have left the country in recent years.
Delivering a homily at St. Edwin’s Parish in Kubwa, Abuja, on the 59th World Communications Day, Archbishop Kaigama also presided over Mass and confirmed over 100 candidates. He urged journalists to highlight the repercussions of this ongoing exodus, asking pointedly: “Sixteen thousand doctors have emigrated in the past seven years—to the UK, US, Canada, Germany—while thousands of other trained experts have followed suit. Shouldn’t it alarm our government when those equipped to build our nation depart because of poor working conditions, insecurity, and a lack of essential resources?”
Speaking under this year’s Communications Day theme from Pope Francis—“Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15–16)—he reminded media practitioners of their duty to “communicate truth with love” amid today’s digital challenges. He cautioned against fake news, toxic social media, and divisive storytelling: “Let your words heal rather than harm. Let your messages foster hope rather than sow fear. Break down the walls of hostility that divide people. We must use social media as a force for edification, not destruction.”
Referring to the global coverage of Pope Francis’s funeral and the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Archbishop praised the press for showcasing unity and shared humanity on a worldwide stage. He called on Christians to be “ambassadors of unity,” stressing that “a divided Church cannot heal a divided nation.” Quoting Jesus’s prayer in John 17—“that all may be one”—he urged believers to overcome bitterness, gossip, and tribalism: “Be united in worship, mission, and love. A united Church is a powerful testimony to a fractured world.”
The archbishop also commemorated St. Edwin’s Parish’s 10th anniversary and congratulated its priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Nwora, on his recent priestly jubilee. The celebration included the blessing of a newly completed rectory and the confirmation of 108 parishioners. In addressing those confirmed, he reminded them that they had received not only a sacrament but also a mission: “You are being anointed, sealed, and sent. The Spirit you receive today grants you wisdom, courage, and strength—but you must cooperate with Him.”
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Kaigama underscored the urgent need for national healing, accountability, and genuine love among Nigerians.
