To demonstrate its commitment to its policy of inclusive governance, the Akinwunmi Ambode led Lagos State Government has organized a 2-Day Training Workshop for Community Media Practitioners in the state.
The training, with the theme, Strategic Communication: A Tool for Media Networking and Community Relations was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications.
In his welcome address at the workshop, Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications , Hon Akeem Omoyele Sulaiman who was the host of the event noted that, ‘through community media, the residents will experience intercultural dynamics, also able to reach out to members of the communities, share relevant information, news and provide content in different languages and as well further raise awareness on measures to protect and defend the rights of victims within the community’.
Hon Sulaiman also commended the practitioners ‘efforts in community reporting across the nooks and crannies of the state; from Igbaji in Badagry to Oto-Awori in Ojo, from Oroiade in Ijesha, from Ikeja to Agege back to Kosofe to Ikorodu-Epe down to Ibeju-Lekki, from Eti-Osa to Apapa, projecting the activities of government to the teeming population at the grassroots and also bring news back from these communities’.
Earlier, Hon Sulaiman ‘appreciates His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his approval to organize the workshop. This is in line with the policy thrust of inclusive governance and capacity building to enhance productivity’.
Delivering the first paper on the first day titled, Strategies For Human And Administrative Communication, Professor Alaba Adenuga from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) noted that Media practitioners plays vital roles in the development of the society. Hence, it is important to have basic skills required for effective professional service. He defined Communication as a human phenomenon that deals with the passing and exchanging of information within individuals with common interest. He added that, ‘Administrative communication promotes harmonious co-existence and build confidence and sense of belonging among staffs’.
He further submits that, ‘Where there is no communication, there will be chaos.
In his Paper 2 titled, Community, Conflict, Communication: The Nexus, Mr Deji Balogun, Director, Social Media, Lagos State Ministry of Information charged participants on personal development and professionalism in news writing and reporting.
He lamented a situation where journalism has become an all-comers affair, charging community media practitioners to invest in professional training and certification, to enhance their performance.
He concluded by admonishing community media practitioners to show concern and love to their community and the society at large by avoiding news and reports that can set the community on fire or is capable of threatening the peace and security of the society.
Professor Taiwo Edun of The Faculty of Education, O.O.U Paper 1 on day 2 of the workshop exposed participants to the rudiments of ‘Public Relations Skills For Community Media Practitioners’
He defined Public Relations as the Art and Science of establishing harmony with our immediate environment. He noted that, Public Relations is a continuous process because, there are changing times, trends and developments.
He stressed that community media practitioners must be part and parcel of the community where they operate, through strategic public relations engagements. He advised that, public relations must be driven by public interest.
He concluded by admonishing practitioners to be the harbinger of hope and freedom and to the community and the ordinary Nigerians on the street.
A communique was issued at the end of the 2-day workshop. Participants commended the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led Lagos State government and the Office of the Special Adviser on Communities and Communications for organizing an enriching training for them.
