NEWS
Abia State Govt. Ends Strategic Media Retreat, Charges Spokespersons on Professionalism and Objective Reporting Ahead of Elections
The Abia State Government has concluded a two-day Strategic Media Retreat for government spokespersons in Abuja, with a renewed commitment to strengthening strategic communication and promoting objective, ethical, and responsible reportage ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The retreat, which brought together media aides and communication officials serving in the state government, focused on equipping participants with modern communication skills, enhancing their understanding of the evolving media landscape, and preparing them to effectively manage public information in an increasingly digital era.
Addressing journalists at the end of the retreat, the honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, explained that the programme was designed to enable members of the government’s media team to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment while improving their professional capacity and overall performance.
He expressed confidence that the retreat had positively impacted the participants, noting that the state government remains committed to continuous capacity building for its spokespersons.
According to him, additional retreats and professional development programmes have already been planned to further strengthen the media team, particularly as the nation approaches the next general elections.
Prince Kanu emphasized the crucial role of the media as the bridge between government and the people, stressing the need for spokespersons and media practitioners to remain proactive before, during, and after elections in order to prevent misinformation, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful democratic processes. He also underscored the importance of accurate, timely, and credible information dissemination as an effective tool for combating fake news and disinformation.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the retreat as highly insightful and impactful. He noted that participants had gained valuable knowledge and practical experience that would significantly improve their ability to manage public information and effectively engage citizens on government policies and programmes.
Ekeoma further advocated for the expansion of future editions of the retreat to accommodate more media practitioners across Abia State, saying broader participation would further strengthen the state’s communication architecture and deliver greater results.
In his remarks, the lead facilitator of the retreat, Mr. Monday Ashibuogwu, stated that the programme was specifically designed to equip government media aides with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the changing media landscape and respond effectively to emerging communication challenges.
He urged participants to embrace the opportunities presented by modern media while remaining committed to the ethics and professional standards of public relations and communication practice.
The retreat, organised by CHANNEL KOOS MEDIA CONSULT LTD, featured nine participants from Abia State, including, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD; Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Comrade SOB Igwe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu; General Manager, Abia Newspapers, Mr. Jones Nnanna Ike; Director-General, Strategic Communication Bureau, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka; Director-General, Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie, alongside other senior government communication officials.
The retreat reaffirmed the Abia State Government’s commitment to building a highly professional, responsive, and effective media team capable of delivering accurate information and strengthening public confidence in gove
rnment communication.