The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public policy communication through continuous capacity-building initiatives for its media team. This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, during a specialized training session on “Innovation in Public Policy Communication” held at the Government House Media Centre in Lokoja.
Hon. Isah emphasized that the training is part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective communication within the administration, marking the first anniversary of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in office.
“This training is pivotal in refining our strategic communication approach, ensuring that government policies and programs are effectively communicated to the public,” Isah stated. He highlighted that the session brought together members of the Government House Media Team and the Office of the First Lady’s media team, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Hon. Isah expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for prioritizing capacity-building initiatives for media personnel and other government officials. He noted that such efforts are crucial for meeting key performance indicators and enhancing the delivery of government objectives.
“This training fulfills a critical mandate of my office—to expose our media team to global best practices in communication. By investing in their growth, we’re equipping them to better engage with the public and build trust in the Ododo administration,” he added.
Isah further underscored the administration’s commitment to fostering public trust and acceptance through professional and effective public policy communication.
Delivering a lecture on the theme “Innovation in Public Policy Communication: Leveraging the Six Levers of Influence for Effective Public Policy Messaging,” Prof. Adams Adeiza, an Associate Professor at Sunway University, Malaysia, highlighted the pivotal role of media professionals in shaping public perception.
“Media teams are the bridge between the government and the people. Effective communication isn’t just about disseminating information—it’s about connecting emotionally with the public to foster understanding and trust,” Prof. Adeiza explained.
He praised the synergy within the Kogi State media teams, attributing their cohesion to the Ododo-led administration’s focus on collaboration and professionalism. Prof. Adeiza also emphasized the power of emotional appeal in public messaging, noting that people are more influenced by emotions than logic when interpreting information.
Earlier in the day, Prof. Adeiza also engaged with senior civil servants at the Office of the Head of Service, where discussions centered on strategies to revitalize the state public service for improved efficiency and service delivery.
The training session is part of a series of activities to commemorate Governor Ododo’s first year in office, reinforcing his administration’s dedication to transparency, innovation, and public engagement.
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