From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The new management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) dragged its staff in the Press and Public Relations department to the classroom for a workshop on evolving trends in corporate image management.
It also announced that the training is in line with its determination to respond appropriately to emerging challenges, and peculiarities of the operating environment.
In her address, the overseer of the scheme, Christy Uba, directed all state secretariats to acquire high-definition cameras and other ancillary equipment to enhance the operations of the stations.
According to her, “The role of Public Relations Officers in the achievement of the NYSC mandate cannot be overemphasised. Over the years, officers in this cadre have undertaken the crucial tasks of projecting the good image of the Scheme and played facilitating roles in its much-celebrated contributions to national unity and development.
“It is gratifying to note that the PR Officers have continued to earn accolades for the diligent discharge of their duties, including the professional management of our public functions. I commend you once again for your high sense of commitment and professionalism.
“Even as we celebrate your numerous accomplishments, you must not rest on your oars, especially in view of the demanding nature of your schedules. As you are already aware, Public Relations practice is dynamic: responding appropriately to emerging challenges, and the peculiarities of the operating environment.
“Conscious of the need to bring you up to speed with evolving trends in corporate image management, Management has continued to provide avenues for the upgrade of your knowledge and skills.
“The inclusion of Protocol and Freedom of Information Act Trainings in this Workshop is to further sharpen your skills in these important areas thereby making the programme an all-round one,” she said.
Charging the participants to deploy their knowledge effectively, Uba said: “I would like to call on participants to use this forum to share experiences and come up with ideas on best practices. I also enjoin you, as reputation managers, to step up efforts at sustaining harmonious relationships with our critical stakeholders.
“Let me also remind you of the need to continue to leverage on both the traditional and the new media to ensure effective publicity for the contributions of the Scheme to the socio-economic development of our dear country.
“It is also on this premise that Management established the NYSC Radio and Television Stations, which are already enhancing the visibility of the Scheme in the media space, and allowing us to tell our story without any encumbrance.
“In this connection, I hereby direct all State Secretariats to acquire high-definition cameras and other ancillary equipment to enhance the operations of the Stations.
“I wish to further urge you to step up the monitoring of social media so as to promptly correct misconceptions, as well as fake stories fraudulent or mischievous persons, may peddle about the Scheme. On our part, Management shall continue to provide enabling environment for you to perform your duties optimally,” she charged.
In his own address, Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Eddy Megwa, said that the theme for the workshop, “Enhancing the corporate image of NYSC: Quintessential Role of Public Relations Officers, “was chosen to underscore the importance of well heeled Public Relations personnel in the Scheme’s corporate image management.
“This training will enable the participants stay afloat on their duties and ensure that nothing is left to chance in managing the image of the NYSC. It will also empower them with up-to-date information management strategies for engagement of the Scheme’s publics on our policies, programmes and activities,” he enumerated.