As part of efforts to increase productivity and proffer solutions to issues affecting Public Affairs Officers in the 57 Unified Local Government Councils, the Local Government Service Commission has organised a sensitisation programme for all Heads of Public Affairs Units in Local Councils across the State.
In his address at the programme, themed: “Perception Management in the Local Government” and held at Yaba LCDA, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Mr. Kamal Bayewu, reaffirmed his commitment to rendering necessary cooperation to all cadres to contribute more to the growth and development of the Local Government Councils.
Bayewu emphasised the urgent need to train all the Public Affairs Officers employed in the 57 Unified Local Government Councils, reminding participants that as the mouthpiece of the various local councils, they are expected to be resourceful and ensure the authorities get adequate feedback from the people in the community.
Mr. Ahmed Seriki, the Commissioner representing Epe Division in LGSC, urged the Public Affairs Officers to improve on their skills and knowledge acquisition to perform optimally on their jobs.
The newly deployed Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Mr. Biodun Bamgboye, said the Public Affairs Officers should avoid personal aggrandisement and selfish interest.
He noted that their productivity will create a smooth, cordial relationship in their work environment, advising them to develop a good dress sense, cultivate a microphone culture and ensure they invest in themselves, especially in view of the present knowledge-driven world.
Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Establishment, Training & Pensions, appreciated the Chairman and the entire Commission members, reiterating the importance of the role of the Public Affairs Officers in the Local Councils.
The facilitator of the programme and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, stated that the Public Affairs Officers should ensure that they are in harmony with all their principal officers.
He reiterated the need for Public Affairs Officers to have a cordial and good working relationship with all the political leaders, the management and staff as perception managers in their respective councils, saying that PAOs are also expected to get intelligent reports about their environment and initiate ideas that would be highly appreciated.
While emphasising the need to develop communication strategies for disseminating the programmes and policies of local governments to the public in the most acceptable way, Bamigbetan urged the officers to obtain the right communication tools like cameras and computers to ease their jobs.
The facilitator pointed out the need for Public Affairs Officers to have a cordial relationship with the various media organisations and be compliant with the new media, noting that “As PAOs you need to learn, unlearn and relearn to function effectively and efficiently in your assigned responsibilities”.
The Chairman Yaba LCDA. Mr. Kayode Adejare Omiyale, appreciated the efforts and commitment of the Commission members and the Directors of the Local Government Establishment, Training and Pensions, just as he advised the Public Affairs Officers to be more productive and resourceful in the discharge of their duties.
In her remarks, Mr. Temitope Kuku, President of the 57 Unified PAOs Association, appreciated the efforts of the Commission members for the capacity building opportunity, promising that the knowledge acquired will be fully implemented at their various duty posts.
Also present at the event were the Director, Admin and Human Resource Department (LGET&P), Mrs. Oluwatosin Adegun; Director, Recruitment Disciplinary and Exit, Mr. Sedoten Ogabi; Director, Accounts & Finance, Mr. Akeem Shonibare (LGSC); Director, Establishment, Mrs. Olawunmi Dada (LGET&P) and Asst. Director, Electronic – Human Resource, Mrs. Abosede Ilori (LGSC), among others.
