While the nation marked Democracy Day and the Diocese of Uromi prepares to celebrate the feast of her patron saint, a remarkable intellectual and cultural gathering is taking place in the heart of Enugu. The Jubilee Hall of  Holy Ghost Cathedral played host to the 2nd SIGNIS Africa Conference and Art Exhibition, themed:

“Sacred Symbols, Cultural Identities: Rethinking Iconography and Imagery in Global Religions.”

Organized by SIGNIS Africa—the continental arm of the global Catholic association for communication professionals—the event was co-hosted by SIGNIS Humanitarian Foundation and  Regina Cultura Art Initiative. It brought together the crème de la crème of Catholic communication scholars, practitioners, and institutions across Africa, including representatives from *, Catholic Communication Scholars, Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) and  Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN)

Amid keynote addresses, lead papers, and an awe-inspiring cultural showcase, 11 academic papers were presented—two of which were delivered by the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt.

The first was co-authored by Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA, a senior lecturer in Communication Studies Department at CIWA, and Sr. Budzee Apollonia Dzelabvem, a Cameroonian PhD student at the institute. Their paper, titled:

“Media and Information Literacy and the Interpretation of Iconography Among African Youth in the Digital Age,”

explored how semiotics and faith-based imagery are being understood—and misunderstood—by Africa’s digital natives.

The second presentation was jointly delivered by Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Amos, a renowned expert in Interpretive Journalism, alongside Sr. Maureen Uloma Dike, a doctoral candidate. Their paper, titled:

“Shared Symbols Across Religious Boundaries: From Universal Archetype to Theological Convergence — A Semiotic Gradient,”

offered a bold, interdisciplinary exploration of iconographic convergence in African religious cosmology.

After their session, the air was thick with applause and admiration. Prof. B.A.C. Obeifuna, a foremost theologian and communications scholar, and former Vice Chancellor of Tansian University, leaned toward Fr. Okhueleigbe and asked with sincere curiosity,

“Where are you from?”

On hearing that he was from CIWA, Prof. Obeifuna exclaimed:

“No wonder! CIWA always produces the best. You are deeply grounded.”

From across the hall, Prof. Walter Ihejirika, President of SIGNIS Africa, Dean of the Faculty of  Communication and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, and a leading voice in religion and media discourse, echoed similar sentiments. From the dignitaries’ table, he turned and remarked:

“CIWA is always at its peak—just look at its contingents!”

These glowing endorsements are more than flattering soundbites; they underscore the academic prestige and formative excellence that CIWA has come to represent within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. All CIWA delegates at the SIGNIS Africa Conference were fully sponsored by the institute’s management, further attesting to its commitment to scholarly visibility and mission-based excellence.

In an era of increasing secularism and digital fluidity, CIWA’s robust contributions to this continental gathering are a clarion call to all who seek solid grounding in Catholic thought, communications, and cross-cultural theological engagement. For parents, sponsors, and benefactors wondering where to entrust the intellectual and spiritual formation of their wards, CIWA stands as a beacon of excellence—a worthy investment for the future of the Church,  society and humanity