Lagos State Public Affairs Officers have resolved to step up enlightenment on government policies and projects.
It was all at a strategic meeting of the Public Affairs officers in Lagos State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which was convened by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso to explore innovative ways of enlightening the public about activities of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration via all media platforms.
“You can’t light a candle and put it under the table” Mr. Omotoso said, quoting from the Holy Bible.
The gathering was a platform to review activities of the team and discuss successes achieved, identify challenges, and chart ways to foster positive perception of the government across all divisions of the State and beyond Lagos.
Speaking with participants, Omotoso acknowledged the efforts of officers in propagating the policies of the government despite obstacles.
“It is common knowledge that when it comes to our job, everyone is an expert. However, the reality is that nobody can have information about Lagos as much as public affairs officers do,” Omotoso said.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of proactive communication in showcasing the government’s achievements and initiatives, urging officers to leverage their roles in promoting the State’s developmental strides and responding appropriately to public concerns.
Assuring the Public Affairs Officers of support from the parent Ministry, Omotoso encouraged the staff to come up with challenges encountered in the course of duty, just as he stated the need to be professional at their beats.
“I am sure if you give your principals sound advice on publicity rather than wait to be called upon, you will earn respect and establish a bond that makes you a credible ally and adviser on public affairs issues in the MDA,” the Commissioner said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, advised the officers to take advantage of the open-door policy of the leadership of the Ministry to offer suggestions on expanding the social media influence of Lagos State Government among Internet users.
He acknowledged the positive professional conduct of many members of the staff at their duty posts, noting, however, that there is a lot of room for improvement.
His words: “As public affairs personnel, we must have people and relationship management skills in all we do at our duty posts.”
The Permanent Secretary said that the Ministry would fashion out ways of resolving issues that affect the performance of Public Affairs Officers but solicited a more coordinated approach to ensure that social media engagement of officers becomes visible and impactful.
The meeting offered many officers the opportunity to present ideas that would aid their work, just as they solicited rewards for staff identified for outstanding performance.
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