Catholic Television of Nigeria Marks 15 Years on Air, One Year on GOTV with 300% Viewership Surge

Catholic Television of Nigeria Marks 15 Years on Air, One Year on GOTV with 300% Viewership Surge

Habiba Sam 

Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) is marking a double milestone — 15 years of pioneering faith-based broadcasting and one year since its strategic move to GOTV Channel 115 — celebrating a legacy of spiritual enrichment, national unity, and record-breaking audience growth.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the station’s leadership described the anniversary as a moment to honor God, acknowledge partners, and recommit to delivering uplifting content that shapes families and society.

Since launching in 2010 under the vision of former Abuja Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan, CTV has lived out its founding creed of building “a world where the love of God and neighbour reigns supreme.” Fifteen years on, it has emerged as a leading voice for professionalism, balanced journalism, and Catholic spirituality in Africa’s media space.

Officials said CTV has set the pace in Catholic broadcasting by producing wholesome, family-oriented programmes, streaming soul-nourishing music, and bringing the Holy Mass, Church doctrines, and Catholic social teachings directly into Nigerian homes. 

Beyond liturgy, the station has advanced peacebuilding through interfaith conversations, fair civic reporting, and coverage of national events that foster dialogue across ethnic and religious divides. “We continue to build bridges where others see walls,” management stated.

The broadcaster’s impact on moral and spiritual formation was also spotlighted, with programmes credited for renewing hope, reinforcing values, and deepening the faith of millions.

A major achievement celebrated was CTV’s migration from Trefoil/NigComSat Free-to-Air to GOTV Channel 115 on March 13, 2025 — a bold move that management said has democratized access to Catholic content. 

The results speak volumes: daily viewership has soared by over 300%, with CTV now reaching an estimated eight million viewers across Africa in just 12 months. Executives hailed the milestone as proof that Nigerians are hungry for positive, morally grounded, and spiritually enriching television.

The lower cost of access via GOTV, they noted, has opened the door for more households to embrace programming that champions the common good.

CTV paid tribute to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for its “visionary leadership,” and to the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja under Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama for steadfast support. The station also applauded MultiChoice Nigeria for backing faith-based media, while saluting its viewers, donors, staff, and volunteers whose prayers and sacrifices have kept the mission alive.

Looking ahead, the broadcaster unveiled plans to deepen its reach with more indigenous language shows, broader coverage of Church and community activities, and aggressive digital evangelization to engage youth and the diaspora.

To commemorate the twin celebrations, CTV announced an anniversary and award ceremony for April 30, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja. 

The event will open with Holy Mass at 6 p.m., followed by the awards. Media partners, clergy, supporters, and the public are invited to share in the celebration.

The statement was signed by CTV’s Executive Director, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, PhD, and the Chairperson of the National Planning Committee, Barr. Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani.

As it marks 15 years, CTV reaffirmed its pledge to uphold truth, human dignity, and service to society through responsible media that inspires, informs, and transforms.