The Rivers State Government has urged information officers, journalists and media practitioners to seek knowledge.
The Head of Service (HOS) of Rivers State Government, Rufus N. Godwins, in his opening remarks at a one day training /workshop for information officers on the theme: “Repositioning Information Officers For Greater Efficiency And Productivity”. Said that information officers must be up to date and be at the centre of news.
Mr. Godwins stated that information officers and media personnel must re-strategize to do better on how they relate to the public.
He further urged information officers and journalists to be at their best and dress properly.
In his contribution, the Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Information, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, said that “the training/workshop was part of the efforts of the Government to ensure that information machinery of the Government was oiled properly for effective delivery.
Pastor Nsirim urged participants to use the knowledge that will be acquired from the training /workshop to contribute to the development of the state through incisive reports, features and online publications.
On his part the Chairman House Committee on Information and Training, Hon. Enemi George Alabo, said that there was no limit to learning and encouraged participants to invest in knowledge.
Also speaking the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State chapter, Stanley Job Stanley, said that “information officers and journalists must read wide to acquire knowledge”.
He said media officers need to know little about everything and thanked the Ministry of Information for putting together the programme aimed at repositioning information officers for greater efficiency.
Resource persons such as Professor G. B. OKon, Dr. C. I. Ochonogor, Professor C. U. Omegu and Dr. R. N Amadi spoke to the participants on different topics relating to news, features, press release writing and interview techniques among others.
Participants at the programme were drawn from different ministries and agencies in the state.
The Secretary of NUJ, Ike Wigodo and some members of the Union were also in attendance.
