Francis Dufugha
Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Information Management, Dr Wisdom Ikuli, has expressed concern over what he described as poor information management and dissemination by government information managers in the state, calling for improved professionalism, effective communication strategies and stronger engagement with the media.
Dr Ikuli made this observation when he hosted members of the Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA), who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Yenagoa.
He regretted that those entrusted with the responsibility of managing and disseminating government information were not doing enough to ensure that accurate, timely and relevant information about government policies, programmes and activities reached the public.
The governor’s aide stressed the need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to information management, noting that effective communication remained critical to promoting government activities, correcting misinformation and sustaining public confidence.
He emphasised that information managers must rise to the demands of their responsibilities by embracing professionalism, building stronger relationships with media practitioners and ensuring that government information is properly packaged and disseminated through appropriate channels.
Earlier, the Chairman of BIPA, Mr Ebi Ozegbe, informed Dr Ikuli of the forthcoming burial ceremony of one of the association’s members, Elder Union Oyadongha.
Ozegbe used the opportunity to seek the support and partnership of the Technical Adviser’s office, particularly in strengthening the relationship between government information managers and independent newspaper publishers in the state.
He noted that independent publishers remained important stakeholders in the information and communication industry, contributing to public enlightenment, accountability and the promotion of democratic values.
The BIPA chairman also underscored the importance of a mutually beneficial working relationship between the association and the governor’s media office to enhance information flow and ensure that the activities of government receive adequate media coverage.
Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman of BIPA, Dr Francis Dufugha, expressed displeasure over what he described as the unfriendly manner in which some government media handlers relate with media practitioners, particularly independent newspaper publishers.
Dufugha observed that the relationship between government and the media should be built on mutual respect, openness, accessibility and recognition of the media’s constitutional responsibility to inform the public.
He lamented that some media practitioners were often treated with indifference by government communication officials, a development he said was inimical to effective information dissemination and constructive government-media relations.
The former BIPA chairman called for a change of attitude among government media handlers, urging them to recognise independent publishers as critical partners in governance rather than outsiders seeking favours from government.
He stressed that the media should not be engaged only when government requires publicity but should be treated as an essential partner in the dissemination of information, public enlightenment and democratic accountability.
Dufugha further advocated a more inclusive communication framework that would accommodate independent publishers and other media organisations in government information activities.
The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas of possible collaboration towards improving information management, strengthening media relations and promoting a more effective communication environment in Bayelsa State.
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