By CSN Media
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Leonard Ozoemelam Ehiemere as the new National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja. Official notice of the transition, issued by CSN Secretary General Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, confirms that Fr. Ehiemere, like other newly appointed officers, assumes office on September 1, 2026, following the successful completion of Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh’s transformative six-year tenure.
Fr. Ehiemere steps into the national role with an extraordinary blend of academic distinction, practical media experience, and broad pastoral leadership. Ordained for the Diocese of Umuahia on July 22, 2006, he holds both a Doctorate and a Licentiate in Institutional Social Communication from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. His foundational formation includes philosophical and theological studies at Seat of Wisdom Seminary in Owerri, Immaculate Conception Seminary in Umuahia, and early education at Awomukwu Community Primary School.
Over two decades of priestly ministry, Fr. Ehiemere has built an extensive portfolio within the media apostolate and pastoral governance. Until his appointment, he served as Communications Director for the Diocese of Umuahia and Coordinator of Communications Directors for the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province. His administrative leadership spans roles as Chaplain at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike), Vice Rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Acting Dean of Ikwuano Deanery, Vice President of the Umuahia Diocesan Priests Association, Assistant Cathedral Administrator, and Parish Priest at Sacred Heart Parish, Abam. His global exposure includes specialised media work at Relevant Radio Headquarters and pastoral ministry within the Diocese of San Bernardino, California.
Fr. Ehiemere assumes leadership of a revitalised directorate shaped by Fr. Umoh’s visionary tenure. Over his six years at the helm, Fr. Umoh spearheaded a historic revolution in the Church’s public presence, founding the Nigeria Catholic Network (NCN) to expand digital engagement, establishing the Vatican-endorsed Communications Week (ComWEEK) grassroots media literacy program, introducing systematic media education into seminary curricula, and unifying national media bodies (including CAMPAN, CAEAN, and SIGNIS Nigeria) under a single strategic organogram.
As Fr. Umoh concludes his tenure, the CBCN Administrative Board expressed profound gratitude for his outstanding service and lasting contributions. Welcoming his successor, Fr. Umoh voiced complete confidence in the Directorate’s future, noting that the combined expertise of the new Bishop Chairman, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, and Fr. Ehiemere’s deep background in institutional communication and steadfast pastoral dedication will elevate the Church’s media mission and public presence. He called on all stakeholders to them their maximum support.
