LAGOS INFORMATION COMMISSIONER CHARGES PAOs ON OPEN COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
… Pledges Support For Officers, Calls For Better Funding, Training, Professional Recognition
… As Ogunbanwo Seeks Stronger Teamwork, Digital Engagement, Accountability Among Officers
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, has urged Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to break communication barriers, speak up on challenges affecting their work and strengthen professional collaboration, declaring that “people can be seen but must never be heard” is a mindset the Ministry of Information must reject.
Omotoso gave the charge on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at a meeting with Public Affairs Officers held at Combo Hall, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, assuring participants of his readiness to address concerns relating to their welfare, funding, professional development and working conditions.
The Commissioner, who described the Ministry of Information and Strategy as one family, said officers should be able to approach their superiors freely and express their views without unnecessary restrictions. He noted that effective communication within the Ministry was essential to achieving its mandate of informing and enlightening the public.
He also called for improved funding of public communication activities, advising PAOs to take an active interest in the budgetary process and ensure that their departments and units submit realistic proposals that adequately reflect their operational needs. According to him, the quality of communication outputs must justify the resources being requested.
Omotoso further pledged support for professional training, retreats and membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), while promising to review the proposed communication policy to ensure that it provides clear guidelines for information management, particularly during emergencies and other sensitive situations.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, described his appointment and swearing-in by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a new dawn for the Ministry and the entire Information Family, calling for renewed commitment, collaboration and improved service delivery.
Ogunbanwo, who expressed appreciation for the goodwill messages, visits and prayers following his appointment, assured officers of the support of the Governor, Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Information and Strategy. He, however, urged them to match the leadership’s support with greater professionalism, visibility and proactive communication.
He expressed concern over the declining participation of some Public Affairs Officers in government communication activities, particularly on digital and social media platforms, noting that government policies, programmes and achievements must be communicated strategically and consistently. He also encouraged officers to support one another and actively participate in programmes such as “Ask Lagos”.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of mutual respect, seniority and established hierarchy within the Public Affairs cadre, explaining that these values were essential for discipline, mentorship, knowledge transfer and institutional development. He stressed, however, that respect for hierarchy should not suppress innovation or discourage younger officers from contributing meaningfully.
He also acknowledged the lingering concerns surrounding the special allowance for the Public Affairs cadre, assuring officers that efforts were being made to address the matter. Ogunbanwo called for patience and continued commitment, expressing optimism that the issue would receive meaningful attention with the support of the state leadership.
In a presentation titled “Strengthening Public Communication and Media Relations: Enhancing Government Visibility, Public Enlightenment and Effective Media Engagement”, the General Manager, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Mr Jide Lawal, stressed the need for timely information dissemination, fact-checking, continuous training and sustained relationships with media practitioners. He warned that declining public trust, disinformation, limited funding and slow information flow remained major challenges confronting government communication.
The meeting, which also featured a welcome address by the General Manager, Lagos Television, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, and closing remarks by the General Manager, Traffic Radio, Mr Tayo Akanle, ended with a renewed call for unity, professionalism and coordinated messaging. Akanle urged PAOs to remain politically neutral, verify information before publication and protect the credibility of government communication, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
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