By Joy Salami
In a groundbreaking move to strengthen information management in Kogi State, the Ministry of Information and Communication held its first-ever capacity-building workshop for information officers.
The two-day event, themed “Effective Communication Management in the New Media Age,” is designed to equip officers with essential skills for today’s fast-evolving media landscape.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Honourable Kingsley Fanwo, inaugurated the training with focus on adapting to the modern age of storytelling.
“There are new techniques, new platforms, and new skill sets that we want to equip our information officers with so that our story will be told in the best of ways,” .
Our core mandate as a ministry is grassroots sensitisation, and we are committed to ensuring this mandate is well fulfilled.”Fanwo added.
He thanked the state’s governor for his support, noting, “His Excellency graciously approved and released resources for this initiative, understanding the importance of periodic training for our officers. The enthusiasm on the faces of our officers today shows that this workshop is timely and will certainly enhance their professional growth.”
Hon Fanwo also emphasized the need to take control of narratives to prevent misinformation. “If you are not creating new narratives, others will create them for you, and often in ways you wouldn’t want. That’s why we, as a ministry, have stepped up our efforts in partnership with agencies like the State Broadcasting Corporation and The Graphic Newspapers to ensure our stories are heard.”
The workshop also addressed the challenges of fake news and disinformation, which Hon Fanwo described as a priority in future sessions. “You can’t counter fake news if your own news isn’t out there first. A proactive approach is essential to ensure accurate information reaches the public,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, expressed gratitude for the officers’ commitment and encouraged them to take advantage of this opportunity.
“This workshop is a significant milestone for the ministry.It is a chance for all of you to refine your skills and align with our vision of creating informed communities across Kogi State.”Adurodija further added.
The program featured two seasoned media professionals who presented on key aspects of government communication. Dr. Austin Maho’s presentation, titled “Understanding the Media and How It Works,” provided valuable insights into the media landscape and the art of strategic storytelling.
While Dr. Bunmi Agbana’s session on “Towards Effective Government Communication” offered frameworks for impactful messaging and building public trust.
Feedback from the participants reflected the workshop’s impact. Yemi Balogun described it as a much-needed initiative: “This training workshop is highly impactful, providing valuable insights from experienced facilitators at a critical moment. Workshops like this equip state information officers to communicate effectively and perform at their best.”
Another participant, Habitat Ibrahim Onakpa, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This training has broadened my understanding of the media’s role and given me practical strategies for information dissemination.”
Femi Fatai appreciated the forward-thinking approach of the workshop, saying, “This is a step in the right direction. The tools and techniques we’re learning will help me be more effective in connecting with the people and keeping them informed.”
For Ekundayo Juwon, the workshop addressed an urgent need: “With the rise of fake news, it’s essential to be equipped with accurate information and strategies to counter misinformation. I’m grateful for this opportunity to build on my skills.”
As the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communication invests in the development of its officers, this workshop marks a significant milestone in fostering a transparent and well-informed society.
