LAGOS INFORMATION COMMISSIONER DEMANDS DIGITAL DOMINANCE FROM PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy has issued a clarion call to Public Affairs Officers (PAOs), urging them to embrace innovative thinking and leverage digital technology to effectively communicate the Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda. This directive was the central theme at the Ministry’s Y2024 Management Retreat, currently underway at The Orchid Hotels in Lekki, Lagos.
The three-day retreat, themed: “Image Management in a Digital Contemporary World,” brings together officers on Grade Levels 13-17 and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.
The Information Commissioner emphasised that it is time for Public Affairs professionals to “step up and dominate the digital space,” signaling a strategic pivot towards modern communication methodologies.
Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, further reinforced this message, highlighting the dramatic transformation of the contemporary media landscape. “Digital Technology now controls what we do as media professionals,” Akosile stated, urging participants to fully embrace this shift. “This retreat should be an eye-opener for us because if we do not adapt to technology, our jobs will be at the receiving end.”
He also underscored the critical role of PAOs in disseminating the extensive achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. “It behooves us to keep pushing out his giant strides for all to see, which would invariably be for the good of our dear state,” Akosile added, encouraging attendees to actively engage with the facilitators.
Mr. Michael Olumide Sogunle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, noted that the retreat is also strategically designed to foster a sense of bonding and camaraderie among public affairs officers across the state. This emphasis on team cohesion aims to enhance collaborative efforts in future communication strategies.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, commended the Ministry for the successful conclusion of the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, which commemorated Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat’s sixth year in office.
Ogundeji stressed that the retreat was “more than a gathering,” urging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience. “We must think innovatively, challenge conventional approaches, and explore digital frontiers to achieve desired results,” he concluded, setting a high bar for the outcomes of the intensive sessions.
The opening ceremony was well-attended by top management staff of the Ministry, Heads of state-owned media agencies, and Public Affairs Officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), underscoring the importance and relevance of the retreat.
He also underscored the critical role of PAOs in disseminating the extensive achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. “It behooves us to keep pushing out his giant strides for all to see, which would invariably be for the good of our dear state,” Akosile added, encouraging attendees to actively engage with the facilitators.
Mr. Michael Olumide Sogunle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, noted that the retreat is also strategically designed to foster a sense of bonding and camaraderie among public affairs officers across the state. This emphasis on team cohesion aims to enhance collaborative efforts in future communication strategies.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, commended the Ministry for the successful conclusion of the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, which commemorated Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat’s sixth year in office.
Ogundeji stressed that the retreat was “more than a gathering,” urging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience. “We must think innovatively, challenge conventional approaches, and explore digital frontiers to achieve desired results,” he concluded, setting a high bar for the outcomes of the intensive sessions.
The opening ceremony was well-attended by top management staff of the Ministry, Heads of state-owned media agencies, and Public Affairs Officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), underscoring the importance and relevance of the retreat.