… Information Minister to declare conference open
Scores of media aides to government officials from across the country have enlisted for the two-day The Sun Spokespersons’ Conference, which kicks off in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Sun National Spokespersons’ Conference organised in collaboration with the office of the Adviser, Media & Publicity to President Muhammed Buhari, holds at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 8 and 9, 2016.
Some of those who have indicated interest to attend the conference are media aides to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, governors and ministers, among others.
Notable speakers, media and public relations experts are already fired up for a rewarding experience, even as Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, will be the keynote speaker at the event.
Participants expected are spokespersons of government officials at the federal and state levels.
They include special advisers and special assistants on media/publicity for principal officers in the executive, legislature and judiciary nationwide.
The theme of the conference is: “Media, Public Affairs and Reputation Management in a Democracy: Strategies, Techniques and Perspectives.”
The spokespersons conference offers in-depth insight into latest trends in government communication and information distribution strategies, aimed at building and sustaining trust as well as enhancing relationship between the government and the ruled.
Participants at the conference are expected to tap from broad-based knowledge and experiences of communication and media experts, with the view to learning techniques in promoting cooperation among citizens, stakeholders and government, especially as it relates to explaining merits of government action.
Speakers at the conference, apart from the Minister of Information and Culture, are: Prof Emevwo Biakolo, former Dean, School of Communication, Pan-Atlantic University; Mr. Ray Ekpu, co-founder of Newswatch Magazine; Mr. Nosa Igiebor, President, Tell Communications Limited; Prof James Tsaakor, Head, Mass Media and Writing Department, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University and Mr. Emma Agu, former Chief Press Secretary to former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Others are Prof Nkereuwem Udoaka, Head, Department of Communication, Arts, University of Uyo; Dr. Rotimi Oladele, President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; Mr. Emeka Oparah, Director, Communications, Airtel Nigeria and Mr. Mojeed Musikilu, Managing Director, Premium Times Services Limited.
Speaking on the spokespersons conference, ManagingDirector/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Eric Osagie, said the company embarked on the project as its contribution to the public communications and political development of the country.
He said that since information management is critical, a platform where people saddled with the responsibility of information management would ensure that Nigerians understand what is going on at various levels of government, which will ensure peace and stability.
“Successful governments globally care for quality information management as a tool for the advancement of their policies. This requires government spokespersons to possess the necessary skills to explain government policies. When the government and the ruled understand themselves, peace, stability and development will be better guaranteed.”