By Eseosa Okhemuokho
The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu has asserted that training and retraining of information officers are necessary to guarantee adequate and effective dissemination of the right information of government.
Hon. Ohonbamu made the assertion at the Corporate Office of the Edo Communications Office (ECO) in Benin City, during a one-day workshop, organized by ECO for information officers, with the theme, “Contemporary Social Media Application in Public Space. Charging officers on disseminating accurate information, the Commissioner challenged them to ensure that they counter the negative outflow of information in the public space.
He maintained that when they continue to do so, all will benefit the infinite possibilities of the future. In his words, “We know social media has dominated information dissemination and we know too that people place heavy premium on the social media, and you too, the conventional people; how can we contend and subdue the misinformation and bastardization of Information on social media?”
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Fred Itua stated that the job of an information officer, or media officer, as the case may be, actually begins with the budgeting process. He noted that in time past, journalism was seen as a service to humanity, but that it is business in the contemporary times.
Dr. Itua charged participants at the Workshop to justify the resources which were committed into the initiative by being worthy ambassadors and image manager of their principals and MDAs. He added that they should be articulate administrators in their branding and information management.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Desmond Agbama appreciated His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the Commissioner for making funds available for the training. He admonished participants to imbibe the knowledge and skills being imparted, assuring that the in-house training will be consistent.
Earlier, the Functioning Managing Director of ECO, Mrs. Maureen Nwine expressed delight as she welcomed everyone to the workshop, saying, “I’m excited to welcome you to this dynamic workshop, where we’ll explore the ever-changing world of social media and the functions expected of us as Information officers in contemporary times.
“As we navigate the complexities of social media, its essential that we stay ahead of the curve, leveraging the latest trends, technologies, and strategies to drive engagement, build brands, and foster meaningful connections.”
The facilitator who anchored the topic, “Work Ethics and Duties of Information Officers in Contemporary times,” Mr. Matthew Okunsebor, emphasized that information officers are image makers, and it is their duty to build the good will of the MDAs they represent. He boosted the session with personal experiences, and encouraged Officers to carry out their duties with utmost professionalism, explaining the nitty-gritty of work ethics and duties of Information Officers in contemporary times.
Ibigotemieari A. Adebiyi
Founder and Executive Director, ICON Brand Solutions who anchored the session on “Contemporary Social Media Application in Public Service,” said that social media is a timely platform where events can be streamed live. She asserted that people form opinion online even before it breaks out on the news. She expressed that the Public Service is no longer just about action, but communication that drives imp act. She said that it is important to grow followers across relevant social media platforms, who must be appreciated as community.
She mentioned that as information officers of the Edo State Government, there is the need for consistent and regular posting of meaningful contents across relevant social media platforms in order to gain visibility in the online space.
She concluded, “the voice of the people is no longer on the streets, it is now online. Let public officers learn to listen, speak, and serve in that space with empathy, excellence and intention.”
The event also had in attendance the Director of Information, Mr. Odion Daniel; the Director of Orientation, Mrs. Rose Imonikhe; and the Director of Shared Services, Mrs. Omosigho Oghogho, amongst others
