By Austin Ogwuda
In response to the current necessity to upscale for optimum performance in view of the jet age, the Delta State Head of Service (HoS), Dr. (Mrs) Minnie Oseji says her office has, so far, trained over 500 civil servants across 19 ministries, departments and agencies in digitalization.
She stated this on Monday in a goodwill message at the commencement of the 6th Edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2025) holding at Hotel Benizia, Asaba.
She described the AI-focused theme of DELCOM 2025 as “a welcome development that aligns perfectly with the State’s digital transformation agenda.
“This should not just be another training for relaxation; we expect tangible and measurable results when you return to your MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) and step down the knowledge gained”, she counselled the participants.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe said the workshop had since inception trained over 900 participants in effective communication of government policies and programmes.
He described this year’s theme as particularly relevant given the growing influence of digital media and AI in public engagement.
As communicators, we must stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the power of AI and digital tools to shape public opinion and drive positive narratives”.
Dr. Oghenesivbe also urged participants to understand the legal framework guiding responsible communication, including the Cybercrimes Act 2024, and laws on libel and defamation.
He further reminded journalists and media practitioners that “defamation has grave consequences, including fines and imprisonment,” and urged all communicators to verify their sources and maintain factual accuracy.
The theme of this year’s workshop is ‘Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools for Effective Leadership’.
Facilitators at the three days workshop include; Prof. Joyce Ogwezi, who leads the session on Strategic Communication for Leaders; Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, who trains participants on AI-Powered Leadership Communication and Prof. Presley Obukoadata, who handles Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication.
