Cross River State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, advised government media aides and communications managers to adopt modern techniques in their work. He gave this charge during a stop at the two-day training organized by the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism Masterclass, which focused on Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, and Law in Communication. Odey emphasized that the training was crucial for participants to become “more effective, efficient, and relevant to the system” and properly guide their principals in modern communications.
> Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, the lead trainer, urged the media aides to enhance their effectiveness in line with modern trends.
> Another trainer, Dr. Cornelius Ellah of the University of Cross River State, focused on allegiance, urging government spokespersons to prioritize the public over their principals. He reminded them they are serving the public and stressed, “You owe greater allegiance to the public than to your principals or your pockets.”
> Ellah advised media aides to ensure their responses to criticism are tempered with public interest and fairness, especially when principals make derogatory comments about citizens. Speaking on “Media Information and Literacy in Communication,” he cautioned against using “harsh or bitter language” when addressing critics, advising them to “Be mature, keep learning, and set aside personal sentiments.”
> While urging maturity, Ellah also reminded them not to undermine their employers, saying, “You cannot also bite the fingers that feed you.”
> He clarified that media aides are public relations officers, not journalists, and should therefore use tact and deliberation. He advised: “You’re not bound by journalists’ deadlines, so take time to consult your principals and verify issues before reacting.” He concluded by urging them to view communication as a tool for bridge-building between the government and the governed, rather than a weapon of attack.
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