THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, ANAMBRA INFORMATION COMMISSIONER TO INFORMATION OFFICERS

By Chinemelu Okafor :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has urged the information officers to think outside the box, advising the officers to make their reports community based, especially those in various local government areas, where government activities happen on daily basis.

The Commissioner gave the urge during an interactive session in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat with the Acting Director of the Ministry, Mr. Emma Ikegwuani.

Speaking, he said that Gov. Soludo is very serious and more concerned about Information Ministry and their News reportage in the State.

According to him, the Governor has not seen much commitment from the information officers and their reportage on government’s activities in the State.

This he said citing information officers posted to various local government areas, that were not up and doing in discharging their duties, emphasizing that information department is the base and heart of any Government, from Federal level down to the grassroots.

“You need to think outside the box, thereby designing nice programmes, that will have wide coverage, as well as attracting sponsorship. Try to incorporate the town criers, ward Chairmen, PGs, traditional rulers, among others.

“These are the people that have information at their beck and call, that can easily reach the people at the grassroots and the public.”

He also urged them to be very active in online reporting and spreading of government activities to the public, because the governor focuses more on online News, which is the trending thing.

Dr. Mefor, did not hesitate to remind them that they can achieve this, through Governor’s official handles, many platforms, government sites, Facebook feeds, organizations sites, among others.

“With this, the Governor can go any length in spending heavily on Information Ministry, because he sees the magnitude of their works.”

He promised to work tirelessly, to making sure that the Information Ministry and officers are well equipped for effective gathering and dissemination of information.

*Chinemelu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State