Ogun HoS Emphasizes Importance Of ICT In Driving Government Strategies

Ogun HoS Emphasizes Importance Of ICT In Driving Government Strategies

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, has called on information managers to adopt Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools to enhance effective information dissemination, which is vital for mobilizing and ensuring the success of government programs and policies…..CONTINUE READING 

Onasanya made this statement during the opening of a two-day training program titled “Upscaling Public Information Management through Strategic Public Relations” for Information and Public Relations Officers from various government ministries, departments, and agencies. The training, organized by the Bureau of Establishments and Training under the Office of the Head of Service, took place at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He emphasized the significance of the training in improving the practices of Information/Public Relations Officers to promote effective governance in Ogun State and expressed appreciation to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for investing in workforce capacity building.

“We must recognize that information management in government has evolved dramatically from the pre-ICT era,” Onasanya stated. “Participants should learn to leverage the transition from the industrial age to the knowledge age, driven by technology and social media, to fulfill their duties competently despite operational challenges.”

The training aims to enhance efficiency and work ethics among media managers, focusing on key areas of information management, including establishing a robust feedback mechanism to strengthen the connection between the government and the public.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communication, Kayode Akinmade, noted the necessity of the training, highlighting a significant information management gap in the state. He pointed out the lack of essential knowledge and the limited roles of information handlers, asserting that the training would equip participants with the skills needed to excel in their roles.

He urged attendees to maintain constant communication with the public through the media, cautioning that any media space left unaddressed could be exploited by detractors.

Earlier, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Establishments and Training, underlined the agency’s commitment to building workforce capacity for excellent service delivery. She stressed the importance of training in accurately projecting the government’s image through effective reporting of its programs and policies.

Mr. Waheed Adesina, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, expressed gratitude to the governor and the Head of Service for the training opportunity, ensuring that information officers are well-prepared to positively and promptly communicate government activities.

Other notable speakers at the training included Dr. Niran Malaolu, former Commissioner for Information, Mr. Demola Badejo, former Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Chief Fassy Yusuf, former Commissioner for Information, and Hon. Tunde Tella, Chairman of the House Committee on Establishments and Training, among others.