By Eunice Emeyazia
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged government communicators, journalists and public relations practitioners to make public trust the central measure of their communication, particularly as digital platforms continue to reshape how citizens receive and respond to information.
Oborevwori gave the charge while declaring open the 7th Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2026, in Asaba, where he stressed that effective communication was no longer simply about transmitting information but about providing accurate, timely and credible information that enables citizens to understand government and participate meaningfully in governance.
Represented at the opening by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, the governor said the speed at which information travels through digital platforms had made professional communication increasingly important to public institutions.
He noted that inaccurate information, misinformation, disinformation, impersonation and other forms of online manipulation could shape public perception within minutes, making it necessary for communicators to identify emerging issues, verify facts and respond promptly and responsibly.
The governor therefore encouraged communication professionals to combine digital innovation with sound ethics, transparency, consistency and accountability, while paying attention to citizens’ concerns and ensuring that relevant feedback reaches government.
The three-day workshop, organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, has the theme, “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance.”
The programme brings together government communication officers, journalists, public relations practitioners, social media influencers, bloggers and public relations officers from security and other government institutions.
Oborevwori linked the workshop to his administration’s emphasis on human capital development under the MORE Agenda, describing continuous investment in knowledge, professional skills and institutional capacity as essential to effective governance.
He said the capacity of those responsible for communicating government policies and programmes was as important as the policies themselves, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve public information campaigns, media relations, digital engagement and crisis response.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications and State Coordinator of DELCOM 2026, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said the workshop was designed to help participants respond more effectively to the changing information environment.
Oghenesivbe said the programme would cover strategic communication, media relations, digital communication, executive communication, crisis communication, information integrity, reputation management and the ethical application of emerging communication technologies.
He emphasised that strategic communication should go beyond announcing government activities to helping citizens understand policies, strengthening confidence in public institutions and creating opportunities for constructive engagement.
The workshop’s faculty includes communication scholars, strategists and media professionals, with Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, serving as Chief Trainer. Professor Joyce Ogwezi of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, and Dr. Rita Abamba of Delta State University, Abraka, are among the facilitators.
Senior government officials and representatives of various public institutions attended the opening.
The organisers said the broader objective of DELCOM 2026 was to strengthen the professionalism and responsiveness of the state’s communication system and ensure that participants translate the lessons from the workshop into practical improvements in their respective organisations.
The workshop continues through August 20.
NIM
