In a bid to strengthen the state’s public information machinery, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with OTTOCOM International, organized a 2-day training workshop on “Upscaling Public Information Management Through Strategic Public Relations.”
The event, which took place from Wednesday, September 18 to Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Obas Complex in Abeokuta, attracted over 100 Information and Public Relations Officers from various ministries, agencies, parastatals, and local governments across the state.
The training, driven by the need to update officers with modern public relations strategies, underscored the necessity for a dynamic shift in public sector information management, especially in today’s fast-paced digital age.
Participants were challenged to adopt proactive measures in shaping public opinion and disseminating government policies effectively.
In his keynote address, Ogun State’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advancements in the information sector.
He said, “The days of producing news through archaic means are over. We now operate in a digital world where with a simple mobile phone, news can be disseminated in real-time.”
He added that while technology has evolved, the essence of commitment to quality reporting remains constant, stating, “It is not just about the tools you have but about your dedication to informing the public with accuracy and integrity.”
Onasanya, drawing from his experiences as a former media officer, highlighted the need for officers to continually develop themselves and keep pace with global trends.
“We were driven by passion and the responsibility to produce timely news. That same spirit of commitment must be maintained as we move forward,” he urged.
Reinforcing this message, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Honourable Kayode Akinmade, charged the officers to increase their engagement with the public, emphasizing that their role is critical in shaping the public’s perception of the government.
“In today’s media landscape, presence is everything. If you do not engage, you cannot dominate the media space, and without domination, you risk being invisible. Your responsibility is to ensure the government’s narrative is presented in the most positive light,” Akinmade stressed.
The workshop also featured insights from former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Niran Malaolu, who pointed out the critical difference between journalism and public relations.
He noted, “As public relations officers, your role is to manage and project the image of the government. It is not about being critical like journalists but ensuring that the government is seen in a favorable light, even in difficult situations.”
Malaolu further urged the officers to step up their level of engagement with the public, particularly in underserved areas.
“It is not that nothing is happening in these areas, but a lack of communication makes it seem that way. Public relations officers need to be visible and active,” he added.
Mr. Tope Adaramola, CEO of OTTOCOM International, who facilitated the training, delivered an impactful session on the role of ethics in public relations.
“Competence, character, and ethics are the cornerstones of a successful career. While professional success may take you far, it is your character that will sustain you in the long run,” Adaramola emphasized.
He urged participants to align their personal ethics with their professional conduct, cautioning that “when personal ethics break down, everything else crumbles.”
Adaramola also encouraged the officers to discover and nurture their unique strengths. “Everyone has a seed – something that makes you stand out. Your responsibility is to find that seed and let it guide you in your career,” he said.
The 2-day event concluded with participants receiving certificates of completion, symbolizing their renewed commitment to enhancing public information management in Ogun State.
The workshop, filled with practical insights and real-world examples, was widely hailed as a success, setting the stage for more efficient and effective communication between the government and the public.
