Ogun State Public Relations Officers Urged to Embrace Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Communication Effectiveness

Ogun State Public Relations Officers Urged to Embrace Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Communication Effectiveness

With the aim of modernising and improving the efficiency of information management, Public Relations Officers (PROs) and Information and Public Relations Officers (IPROs) in Ogun State have been encouraged to adopt emerging technological tools. This call was made during a comprehensive one-day training session organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Information Chapel in partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The event focused on “Advancing Information Dissemination through Emerging Technologies.”

Addressing participants, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, emphasized the significance of integrating modern technologies into daily communication practices. He urged officers to be timely and strategic in their messaging, leveraging platforms such as social media, content management systems, and data visualization tools to ensure effective information dissemination.

Mr. Onasanya highlighted that accuracy and promptness are vital; poorly timed or misreported stories diminish their value. He encouraged PROs to develop creative and in-depth reporting skills, especially through feature stories that promote accountability and transparency.

He also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun’s efforts in advancing technological initiatives within the state, noting successes like revenue collection improvements via OG Tax and streamlined land documentation through OLARMS. He stressed that information managers should support government policies by utilizing emerging tech tools to disseminate information widely and accurately across Ogun.

Representing the Governor’s Office, Mr. Kayode Akimade, Special Adviser on Public Communication, through Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to workforce development through technology. He assured that additional technological resources would be provided to enhance the capacity of government information officers.

FUNAAB’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Prof. Mufutau Atayese, who spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, commended Ogun State for prioritizing training for its information managers. He noted that while the government’s policies are effectively communicated through various channels, embracing emerging technologies such as social media and artificial intelligence could amplify their reach and impact.

One of the key resource persons, Mr. Dayo Abiodun, Special Adviser on ICT, emphasized the importance of digital literacy for PROs to stay ahead in today’s digital era. He outlined various technological skills—including desktop publishing, graphic design, social media management, and cloud computing—that are essential for effective government communication. Abiodun stressed that mastering these skills is crucial for timely and accessible information sharing via platforms like Google, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram.

In a related development, members of the Nigeria Association of Computing Students (NACOS) at FUNAAB were encouraged to enhance their technological skills beyond coding, specifically through the integration of innovative solutions like Integra technology. Mrs. Olatundun Adekunte, Director of Standard Regulations, Planning and Research at the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), highlighted the Ogun Tech Hub initiative launched by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The hub aims to transform youth careers by providing free training modules and fostering innovation, with an open invitation for young developers to share their challenges and ideas.

The event’s organizers, including NACOS leaders Fathia Odusiji and Adeife Omisore, lauded the Ogun State Government for its commitment to technological advancement. They called for more support, such as scholarships and free laptops, to facilitate young innovators’ growth and ensure they can contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.

This training and initiative underscore Ogun State’s dedication to leveraging technology for effective governance, improved communication, and youth empowerment in the digital age.