By Kehinde Erin
The Kogi State Government is dedicated to enhancing the skills of it’s media team to effectively communicate public policies which is crucial for impactful public policy communication.
Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, made this statement today during a specialised training session on innovation in public policy communication.
The training which was held at the Government House Media Centre in Lokoja, had members of the government house media team gathered to acquire new skills and knowledge.
He noted that the training is part of a broader initiative to bolster public policy communication, transparency, and accountability in governance, marking a significant milestone – the first anniversary of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s tenure in Kogi State.
The session, which united members of the Government House Media Team and the media team from the Office of the First Lady, aims to enhance strategic communication skills within the team.
By fostering a collaborative environment, team members can refine their ability to craft compelling messages, convey complex information effectively.
Ismaila commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to capacity building saying that it has earned him appreciation for prioritising the growth of his media team and administration officials.
He said that the training session successfully met one of the key objectives of his office, which is to equip team members with global best practices in communication, ultimately enhancing the government’s communication deliverables.
He further emphasised that Governor Ododo’s administration is committed to fostering trust and acceptance among the people of Kogi State adding that his administration is investing in capacity-building initiatives for the government’s media team, with a focus on enhancing their skills in public policy communication.
Professor Adams Adeiza, an Associate Professor at Malaysia’s Sunway University, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the theme “Innovation in Public Policy Communication: Leveraging the Six Levers of Influence for Effective Public Policy Messaging”.
He underscored the vital role that media professionals play in influencing public opinion and ensuring that government policies and programs are conveyed effectively to the intended audience.
He said, as experts in communication, media professionals are uniquely positioned to shape public perception and facilitate a deeper understanding of government initiatives.
He praised the media team for their seamless collaboration, crediting it to Governor Ododo administration’s dedication to promoting teamwork and professionalism.
The facilitator further emphasised the significant impact of emotional appeal in public messaging, noting that emotions play a crucial role in decision-making.
He explained that, more often than not, people make decisions based on emotional connections rather than logical reasoning. By tapping into emotions, effective public messaging can resonate deeply with audiences, increase engagement, and ultimately drive desired outcomes.