Eacgov StratCom 2020: Edevbie Wants Communication Policy For Delta State Government.

...Commends Okowa's EAC Oghenesivbe For His Creativity, Communication Strategies.

Chief of Staff, Government House and former Finance Commissioner in Delta State, Olorogun David Edevbie has again emphasised the need to set up a special committee comprising internal and external communication experts to craft a result-oriented communication policy for the state.

He took a dim view of the multiplicity of information flow without proper coordination, saying that a standard communication policy would streamline the process of information dissemination and clearly state-assigned responsibilities among government spokespersons, information and media managers in the state.

Edevbie made the suggestion while addressing 200 participants and guests at the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, at Orchid Hotel Asaba on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

The three-day capacity programme was sponsored by the state government and organised by the Office of the Executive Assistant (Communications) to the Governor of Delta State.

According to Edevbie, the communication policy when formulated and adopted will enable media managers and state communication strategists adhere strictly to guidelines, deadlines and implement a well-coordinated information dissemination flow for the attainment of government objectives, and at the same time curtail misinformation and disinformation.

He further posited that an acceptable policy should clearly define the responsibilities of those involved in the process, detailing the means of communications and consultation that will be used, adding that it should include; a clear mission statement, a standard organisational structure, number of unit heads and
details of the responsibility for communication at each level.

"There is the need to have a communication and Consultation policy for the state, to drive the process of information dissemination which must be balanced. It is not encouraging to have blurred, multifaceted and uncoordinated government communication routes which could lead to different interpretations to be given to the same piece of information or statement.

"A standard communication policy will solve these problems and position our media managers and state communication strategists to take proactive and result-oriented steps in the discharge of assigned responsibilities, to achieve government and the governor's overall objectives in governance.

"I, therefore, charge the resource persons and participants at this workshop which is keenly supervised by three erudite Professors of Mass Communication and Journalism, led by Emeritus Professor Raph Akinfeleye, to at the end of this critical brainstorming exercise suggest ways on how government can work towards crafting and adopting result-oriented communication and consultation policy for the state.

"I wish to sincerely commend the positive sagacity and resourcefulness of the Executive Assistant (Communications) to the Governor, Dr Barr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for organising this workshop which has become an annual event for the media industry in the state.

"The first edition was held last year, but this one is larger in scope and organisation, and I have no doubt in my mind that the outcome and impact shall be felt positively, as participants acquire professional skills to enhance output either as media aides to the governor, media managers, social media influencers and bloggers.

"This administration stands out in Nigeria in terms of job and wealth creation, human capacity development and spread of dividends of democracy. Many thanks to His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for his good governance strides and for being a promise keeper," Edevbie said.