LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION
…..call for revamp of State-Owned Media Agencies
The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso has said that there is a need for strengthened collaboration between the Lagos House of Assembly and the Ministry towards enhancing information management in the State.
The Commissioner, who stated this when members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, as part of its oversight function, visited the Ministry on Friday, noted that the Ministry will continue to efficiently deliver on its mandate.
He explained that the Ministry would continue to work assiduously to implement the THEMES Plus Agenda of the State Government under the able leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through its Agencies. He, however, informed of the urgent need to upgrade and provide new broadcast equipment for the agencies.
In his words, “I am making concerted efforts to ensure that the needs of our agencies are met to enhance their capacity and delivery going forward”.
On the issue of social media management, he further explained that the Ministry has always been proactive in making extensive use of the various Online platforms to reach out to the people of the State, while, admitting that there is always room for better performance.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe remarked that the Ministry is strategic to developmental progress in Lagos, imploring the management to engage with relevant stakeholders to initiate a robust engagement with Lagosians.
“We need to talk and feel the pulse of the people in this regard. As a Ministry, you must work hand-in-hand with Lagos State-owned information agencies and lead by example”, he said.
Ogundipe further charged the Honourable Commissioner to ensure the cordial relationship the Ministry has with the House of Assembly, is sustained and improved on. While thanking the Management of the Ministry for the support and cooperation they have given to the Commissioner.
Also speaking, Hon. Ajayi, Chairman, House Committee on Establishment, noted that there is an urgent need to upgrade the equipment at all state-owned broadcast stations; EKO FM, Lagos Television (LTV), Lagos Traffic Radio and Radio Lagos, for them to function optimally.
Similarly, Hon. Temitope Adewale commended the Ministry for its efforts, calling for better work synergy among stakeholders to solve challenges concerning budgetary allocations, adding that funding is important and the House of Assembly remains committed to delivering quality service to Lagosians.
On his part, Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Ajomale Ladipo said that the Ministry of Information and Strategy is the image maker of the State Government and members of the Assembly are ready to collaborate and support its efforts.
“As members of the House of Assembly, one of our responsibilities, apart from law-making, is quality representation. The Ministry should engage Lagosians more on social media and project programmes and policies of the State Government positively, especially towards the youths, who are always clamouring for good governance”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, while thanking the House of Assembly members for the visit, assured that the Ministry will work with them to achieve the set goals and objectives of the Lagos State Government.
In attendance at the event were top management staff of the Ministry including the Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji; Director, Strategy Centre Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi; Director, Public Enlightenment and Community Relations, Mr. Goke Folayan; Director, Social Media, Dr. Jide Atansuyi; Director, Procurement Mr. Moruf Balogun; Director, Administration and Human Resource, Mrs. Oriola and Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Akeem Shonibare, among others.