Information Officers have been charged to be alive to their responsibilities.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon Ebiuwou Koku- Obiyai gave the charge while meeting with Information Officers at the Information House, Ovom.Yenagoa
Hon. Koku-Obiyai noted that effective government information management is the key responsibility of the Ministry, noting that all hands must be on deck to inform and educate the public on government policies and programmes.
She expressed satisfaction with the performances of Information Officers in 2024, and promised to reward outstanding staff in 2025.
Hon. Koku-Obiyai emphasized the importance of consistency, and timelines in reportage of happenings in the various ministries in the state, stressing that there was need to restart the Ministry’s weekly news bulletin, which serves as a vital communication tool.
She hinted on the introduction of a new nomenclature that was adapted at the 48th National Council on Information and National Orientation at Kaduna State in December 2024, which states that Information Offers will henceforth be referred to as Information and Public Relations Officers (IPRO), to align with modern communication demands.
According to the Commissioner, this change reflects the evolving scope of responsibilities of the Information Officers, which now include being proactive at duty posts, ensuring daily reporting, and maintaining high standards in storytelling, as well as adequate promotion of their varied MDAs.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Ifiemeya Borosei stated that the meeting was called at the instance of the commissioner to brief all Information Officers of the rejig in the Ministry, aimed at improved service delivery.
Addressing the issue of underreporting, the Chapel Chairman, Mr Wanama Dandyson attributed it partially to the commercialization of news and financial constraints at the various beats.
Hon. Koku Obiyai however encouraged officers to find innovative solutions in their beats.
Giving a vote of thanks, the scribe of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, Mr Stanley Imgbi thanked the Commissioner for the meeting and pledged a more efficient service delivery in the New Year.
