Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in promoting good governance, refining public policies, and improving service delivery across all levels of government.
The governor made the remark on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, held in Asaba, the state capital.
The three-day workshop, themed “Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools for Effective Leadership,” brought together key stakeholders, including members of the political class, media practitioners, officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, and other participants from various sectors.
Declaring the workshop open, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, described the event as timely, especially at a period when digital platforms and artificial intelligence are reshaping governance and public communication.
He urged media professionals to uphold the principles of professionalism, accuracy, and integrity in their reportage, stressing the need to avoid propaganda, half-truths, and cyber blackmail, which he said erode public trust and distort the essence of responsible journalism.
The governor also highlighted some of his administration’s achievements, including extensive road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects aimed at improving mobility, boosting commerce, and enhancing the living standards of Deltans.
In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, described strategic communication as the “lifeblood of effective leadership,” noting that it bridges the gap between government and the people through genuine connection and trust-building.
Also speaking, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, and the State Head of Service, Dr. Minnie Oseji, commended the Delta State Communication Management (DELCOM) team for their consistency and initiative in sustaining the workshop series over the years.
The State Coordinator of DELCOM and Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, explained that the workshop continues to underscore the importance of strategic communication in governance, while also equipping participants with the skills to effectively project government policies and programmes in line with the “MORE Agenda” of Governor Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.
Participants, including the General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Warri, Pastor Malcolm Oteri, and his counterpart at DBS Asaba, Mrs. Christine Emetulu, described the workshop as both relevant and impactful in enhancing communication professionalism within the state.
A seasoned communication scholar and Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Professor Joyce Ogwezi, delivered a presentation on Leadership Brand, while other resource persons included Dr. Monday Ashibogwu and Professor Presley Obukoadata.
