…Says AI Indispensable in Shaping Effective Governance
By Festus Ahon, Asaba
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has underscored the importance of strategic communication and artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing effective governance and leadership in today’s digital era.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2025) on Monday at Hotel Benizia, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said digital tools and AI have become indispensable in governance, public enlightenment, and national development.
“The theme of this year’s workshop, Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools for Effective Leadership, is both timely and relevant,” he stated. “In an era where digital platforms and AI are reshaping governance and public communication, it is imperative that we embrace innovation and utilize these modern tools to effectively project the progress of our dear state.”
The governor emphasized that nation-building transcends policies and infrastructure, noting that effective communication remains the lifeline of peace, unity, and progress.
“Nation-building thrives on dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding,” he said. “Equally important is constructive criticism, which enables the government to refine its policies, improve service delivery, and remain responsive to the needs of the people.”
While urging media practitioners and government communicators to uphold professionalism and integrity, Oborevwori warned against the dangers of misinformation, propaganda, and cyberbullying, noting that such acts erode public trust and undermine collective progress.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor noted remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, and financial transparency. “We have embarked on extensive road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance to ease mobility, promote commerce, and enhance living standards,” he said, adding that transparency and accountability remain central to his administration’s financial management.
He further stated that the state’s continued investment in education is empowering Deltans with the skills needed to excel in today’s knowledge-driven economy, while entrepreneurship initiatives are creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Governor Oborevwori commended the organisers of DELCOM 2025, led by the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for sustaining the annual capacity-building platform, which he said has strengthened communication and leadership across sectors.
In his welcome address, Dr. Oghenesivbe disclosed that the workshop has trained over 900 participants since inception in effectively communicating government policies and programmes. He described this year’s theme as apt, given the rising influence of digital media and AI in public engagement.
“As communicators, we must stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the power of AI and digital tools to shape public opinion and drive positive narratives,” he said, urging participants to be guided by laws such as the Cybercrimes Act 2024 and those on libel and defamation.
He cautioned media professionals against misinformation, reminding them that defamation carries severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, noted that AI is revolutionizing governance communication. “Artificial intelligence is not here to replace human creativity but to enhance it,” he said. “It helps government analyze public sentiment, translate messages into local languages, and make informed policy decisions.”
Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, praised the governor for his commitment to capacity development for government communicators and media partners, emphasizing that “you can’t demand excellence from people you haven’t trained.”
Similarly, the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Minnie Oseji, said her office had trained over 500 civil servants across 19 ministries and agencies on digitalization. She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, represented by Mr. Gibson Pinnick, described effective communication as key to transparency and trust in governance. “Leadership today is not just about decisions, but about how effectively those decisions are communicated,” he said.
Facilitators for the three-day workshop include Prof. Joyce Ogwezi, Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, and Prof. Presley Obukoadata, who will lead sessions on Strategic Communication for Leaders, AI-Powered Leadership Communication, and Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication, respectively.
Participants, drawn from government ministries, security agencies, academia, and the media, are expected to enhance their communication skills and apply AI-driven strategies in public engagement.
The 6th edition of DELCOM, organised by the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, aims to equip communicators with modern digital tools and AI knowledge for effective governance communication.
The workshop will climax on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with the presentation of certificates to participants by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, and the induction of Members and Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM) by its President, Ambassador Dr. (Mrs.) Temile Uduogho Oritseweyinmi.
Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Higher Education (represented), Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Ejiro Terry Etacherure; Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Trakiriowei Harry; NDLEA State Commander (represented); Chairman, Bureau for Pensions (represented); Executive Assistants to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika and Comrade Felix Ofou; Dr. Donald Peterson, Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development (represented); and Permanent Secretaries across ministries.
Others were the State Chairman, NIPR, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe; General Managers of DBS Warri and Asaba, Pastor Malcolm Oteri and Mrs. Kristine Emetulu; and other distinguished stakeholders in the communication and media space.
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