The Regional Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Medaiyese Region, Pastor Gabriel Aboderin, has urged churches to leverage social media for digital evangelism, national development and peacebuilding.
Aboderin made the call on Saturday in Abuja during an award ceremony organised by the CAC Council of Media and Publicity Secretaries, Medaiyese Region.
The ceremony formed part of the 22nd Annual CAC Media and Publicity Conference 2026, themed “Strategic Corporate Communication for Digital Evangelism”.
He urged churches, youths and women to embrace digital technology as a platform for evangelism and a means of addressing moral decadence and other societal challenges.
According to him, the church must take advantage of digital platforms to spread the gospel effectively in a rapidly changing world.
“The reason for calling the church out of the world is to share the good news of the life of Jesus Christ.
“The moral decline in society stems from ignorance of the saving grace in Christ Jesus. This is our generation, and we must embrace digital platforms so that the gospel can reach a lost world,” Aboderin said.
Also speaking, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said social media could drive national growth through youth empowerment.
Ogunbiyi, who received the Award of Excellence for Invaluable Contribution to the Body of Christ, said digital literacy should be prioritised for Nigeria to achieve technological advancement.
“Social media has come to stay and is recognised worldwide. It is a quick way of reaching a large number of people digitally.
“If we must develop the country, we must also develop digital technology, and social media provides an easy platform for that,” he said.
He advised youths to move beyond using social media solely for entertainment and explore its economic opportunities.
“Nigerian youths should stop relying exclusively on commercial or government jobs.
“They can create employment for themselves through social media because there are many opportunities available online,” Ogunbiyi said.
He also stressed the need for public sensitisation and appropriate regulation to promote responsible use of social media and ensure accountability for online posts.
A financial expert, Mr Kolawole Okunato, said digital platforms had transformed institutions, including the banking sector.
Okunato, who received the Award of Excellence for Distinguished Service and Kingdom Impact, recalled the era of large paper-based filing systems.
“Today, many transactions can be done online without the need for extensive paperwork,” he said.
Lady Evangelist Victoria Kennysteve, honoured for Sacrificial Service in Youth and Women Development, said social media had amplified the voices and professional contributions of women.
She noted that women were previously seen mainly in domestic roles, but digital platforms had created opportunities for them to excel in various professions and gain wider recognition.
Kennysteve urged women to recognise their potential as educators and peacemakers and to participate more actively in leadership and public affairs.
“Our gender is our agenda. We should not limit ourselves to the kitchen.
“Women should come out in large numbers to occupy positions of responsibility because the world is increasingly recognising the value of women’s contributions,” she said.
Pastor Olusola Oniwinde, District Superintendent of CAC Christ the King, Kubwa, urged church leaders to support and adequately fund media departments to enhance evangelism.
He said young people should be encouraged to use their media skills to advance the work of the church and positively influence society.
“When we talk about the media department, we are talking about the future, because young people are gifted in this area and can use it to impact the world through the church,” he said.
Other award recipients included Elder Olabode Ogundana, Elder Olayiwola Osungbure, Prophet Ayodeji Adelusi, Elder Aina Omoniyi and Pastor Adewoyin Olanrewaju.