…Says Delta Govt Remains Committed to Human Capacity Development
The seventh edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2026, ended in Asaba on Thursday with a charge to participants to deploy the skills acquired to enhance their professional performance and strengthen public trust in government.
Declaring the workshop closed, the Communication Manager, Government House, Asaba, Mr. Jackson Ekwugum, said the training had equipped participants with contemporary skills required to function effectively in an increasingly digital environment. He urged them to translate the knowledge acquired into improved performance in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), stressing that the value of training lay in its practical application.
Ekwugum said the Delta State Government remained committed to human capacity development, noting that a professionally equipped workforce was essential to effective governance and efficient service delivery. He commended the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., for coordinating DELCOM over the past seven years, saying the programme had grown “bigger and better” over the years. He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as visionary leadership and deliberate investment in human capital development and programmes designed to impact directly on the people of Delta State.
Ekwugum urged participants to key into the theme of the workshop, “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance,” and apply digital communication strategically in their respective organisations. He said communicators must use digital platforms not only to disseminate information but also to manage crises, counter misinformation, engage citizens and protect institutional credibility.
The three-day workshop, which commenced on Tuesday, August 18, brought together government communication personnel and other stakeholders to examine the changing communication environment and its implications for public administration. Organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, the programme focused on digital communication, crisis management, media relations, reputation management and emerging technologies.
The workshop underscored the growing influence of social media, citizen journalism and artificial intelligence on public discourse. Participants were reminded that information can reach large audiences within minutes, while misinformation and unverified claims can spread with equal speed. They were therefore encouraged to understand digital platforms, verify information before publication and use appropriate channels to provide citizens with timely and accurate information.
Crisis communication was another major focus, with participants reminded that an institutional response can either contain a crisis or worsen it. Speakers stressed the need for government institutions to establish communication procedures, identify authorised spokespersons and ensure that verified information can be obtained and released promptly. Participants were also encouraged to strengthen coordination among MDAs to avoid conflicting messages, particularly during emergencies and sensitive public issues.
The workshop emphasised the link between communication, trust and effective governance. Participants were reminded that public confidence is built through accuracy, consistency, transparency and responsible engagement. Government communication, they were told, should therefore go beyond publicity to explain policies and programmes, address public concerns, correct misinformation and facilitate meaningful citizen engagement.
DELCOM 2026 also highlighted the changing role of government communicators, who are now expected to understand digital platforms, audience behaviour, media trends, crisis management and strategic message development. The workshop stressed the importance of professional ethics, particularly the need to balance the pressure for speed in digital communication with accuracy and proper verification.
Reflecting on DELCOM’s seven-year journey, Ekwugum said the sustained organisation of the programme demonstrated the State Government’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of its workforce. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their daily assignments and share relevant lessons with colleagues, stressing that the success of the workshop would ultimately be measured by improved communication practices, more effective crisis management and stronger engagement between government and citizens.
