Nigerian priest Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika made history as the first black person to be elected President of SIGNIS World, the World Catholic Association for Communication, following his election at the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, on August 7, 2026.
His victory came as no surprise, given his impressive track record as a Professor of Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where he has made significant contributions to the growth of communication studies and research.
Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, the first African to be elected President of SIGNIS World
“First time ever…The Church Communication Apostolate in Africa is moving – Bishop Badejo
In his reaction, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese and member of the Dicastery for Communication since his appointment by Pope Francis in 2021, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, wrote on the SIGNIS Platform, “Great news…first time ever…The Church Communication Apostolate in Africa is moving.”
Bishop Badejo, who is also the Chairman for Social Communications for the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), used the occasion to express appreciation to the newly elected priest, SIGNIS Africa, and SIGNIS World.
“Thank you, Fr. Prof. Walter Ihejirika; thank you all members of SIGNIS Africa. Thank you, SIGNIS World. May God bless the new SIGNIS World Executive and grant you all great success,” he noted.
Congratulatory message from Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo, President, SIGNIS India
The rise of the priest from Ahiara Diocese in Imo State, South-East Nigeria, follows his impressive eight-year service over two terms as President of SIGNIS Africa, concluding in August 2026 at the Kigali event where Fr. Fidele Mutabazi took over.
Throughout his leadership, he championed Catholic communication, strengthened the media apostolate, and inspired communication professionals across Africa to use media for evangelization, peace, and human development.
Fr. Ihejirika stands out as a priest, scholar, researcher, and communication expert, with academic work centered on the intersection of media, religion, culture, development communication, digital technology, and social transformation.
He earned a Ph.D. in Social Communication from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, in 2003, along with a Master’s degree in Pedagogy and Communication from the Salesian University, Rome.
Fr. Prof. Ihejirika delivering his maiden speech
Over the years, Fr. Ihejirika has contributed to academic and church communities in various roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt and Associate Fellow at the Centre for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology at DePaul University, Chicago.
Through his teaching, writing, and pastoral work, he has trained communication professionals and promoted the responsible use of media to share the Gospel and uphold human dignity.
Joining Fr. Ihejirika on the newly elected SIGNIS World Board of Directors are Pamela Aleman (SIGNIS USA–Canada) and Magimai Pragasam (India) as Vice Presidents, with Adriana Racasan (SIGNIS Europe) serving as Treasurer.
The new leadership team aims to further SIGNIS’ mission of empowering Catholic communicators to spread truth, hope, and love in an increasingly digital world.
His election marks a proud moment for Africa and the global Church, reflecting the continent’s growing role in the communication apostolate, and recognizes his years of dedication, expertise, and commitment to the Church’s mission in media.
The newly elected officers of SIGNIS World
Humanizing Digital Spaces, peace, reconciliation
The SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, with the theme “Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-Being,” focused on the media’s ethical responsibilities in today’s digital world.
Drawing from Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, speakers stressed that AI and algorithms should uphold human dignity instead of creating division, encouraging communicators to value real human connections over automated interactions.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s tragic past, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda recalled how media was once used to incite the 1994 genocide, urging Catholic media worldwide to be voices for healing, truth, and unity.
Experts also called for joint action from tech companies, governments, and families to shield children from online dangers like cyber-exploitation, while pushing the media to promote environmental care and raise awareness about climate issues.
Editor’s Note: Photos are courtesy of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo.
