OPL&CE TRAINS STAFF ON COMMUNICATION STRATEGY TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

To enhance the capacity of its staff to effectively communicate Government programmes to the citizens and improve operational efficiency, the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC ), has organised a two-day Communication Strategy Training for its Staff.

The training, organised by International Idea/Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), an Institution funded by the European Union and aimed at equipping the staff with essential communication tools and skills that can help them to effectively engage with the public and its stakeholders, was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos between November 4 to 5, 2024.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore said that every department and unit of the office interacts with the residents in one way or the other. Therefore, it is essential to identify ways to effectively disseminate information on Government programmes and measure the impacts of the programmes.

She added that the role of the Office is very critical in promoting the initiatives of the Lagos State Government for its residents. Hence, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Lagosians get the needed information to access Government policies and programmes that are beneficial to them at all times.

Briefing participants about the programme, the State Project Coordinator, RoLAC, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa said that training was part of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC Phase II) Programme, which is being funded by the European Union (EU) and International Idea to enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s justice system and anti-corruption framework, with a focus on strengthening the criminal justice system, improve access to justice for marginalised groups, and promote transparency and accountability in Government institutions.

Speaking further, she said that it is critical to engage with the Office due to the CitizensGate App developed by the Office, as part of the Lagos State Government’s effort at promoting inclusive governance and accountability.

Taking the participants on Media Engagement and Communication Strategy Development, the Head of the Communications Team for RoLAC, Mr. Murkthar Suleiman said, “While developing an Effective Communication Strategy, we must ensure that important information is relayed to the right audience, hence, there is a need for a clear internal communication of vision, mission and mandate of the Office as this will ensure efficiency in the external communication strategy.”

He added that in developing a clear and concise message for the public, actively listening to their opinions and feedback can promote better understanding between the Office, the Government and its various stakeholders, which can, in turn, help in finding and facilitating effective solutions to the yearnings of the people.

The participants were exposed to other topics such as Identifying Key Stakeholders and Audiences, Steps to Developing Communication Strategy, Practical Sessions on Creating Content, Crisis Communication and Management.

At the end of the training, participants developed messages tailored to promoting the effective engagement of the CitizensGate App by the residents as well as creating awareness for the Social Intervention Programmes of the Government such as ‘Sanwo Listens’ and ‘Mother and Infant Child Development’ (MICHD), Awareness for Voting and Civic Apathy.