By Lilian Ezejiegu
Information officers from the Ministry of Information converged at the Head of Service (HOS) Conference Hall, State Secretariat, Awka for the 2025 Annual Information Officers Conference with a strong focus on building professional opportunities and adopting digital strategies to enhance accuracy, clarity, and public engagement.
The conference, themed “Opportunities Available to Information Officers,” exposed participants to emerging technologies and innovative tools, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in information verification and dissemination.
Declaring the conference open, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described journalism as a vital profession that serves as the voice of the voiceless, noting that democracy cannot thrive without the media.
He urged information officers to always uphold truth and allow the people to be the judge.
“A journalist must be strategic in communicating ideas. Be a change agent that influences the change you want to see,” he said.
Dr. Mefor further emphasized the rising importance of AI, stating: AI is the future. You either key into it or get left behind. Without embracing new tools, new attitudes, and new skills, we cannot function effectively.
Delivering the keynote address, former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima, stressed on the importance of digital competencies, noting that information officers must be equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society.
He called on officers to rethink, retool, reinvent, and reimagine their roles—evolving from mere message transmitters to data-savvy strategists and from routine public workers to digital diplomats.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO), Sir Chuka Nnabuife, spoke on Evolving roles and opportunities of information officers in governance and beyond the job”, where he highlighted that information officers must always remain ahead of the game, as they serve as mediators between state policies and citizen understanding.
“We are the bridge connecting government intentions with public expectations,” he said.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Ndirika Onyekwelu, encouraged officers to make themselves valuable and take advantage of the expanding career opportunities available in the information sector.
In his remarks, former Director of Information and former Chairman of the State Information Chapel of the NUJ, Sir Tony Nweke, underscored the need for continuous capacity building to improve service delivery. He called on government to prioritize training and the adoption of modern digital communication tools.
Dr Stanley Ikemefuna Onukwor, the Chairman of the State Information Chapel NUJ applauded the commissioner for his fairness in relating with all information officers. He encouraged the officers not to relent but to remain committed in putting their best efforts in their duties.
The Acting Director, Ministry of Information, Mr Emmanuel U. Emmanuel delivered the vote of thanks at the event.
Other dignitaries present included Nonso Smart Okafor Managing Director of Reapfold properties limited, Mr Chris Molokwu, Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, Chairman NUJ Anambra State chapter.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to outstanding information officers and to the outgoing permanent secretary in recognition of their contributions.
Lilian is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
