Monday February 17, 2025 | TheNewsDESK
By James EDET
In a thoughtful initiative aimed at improving information management within the Akwa Ibom State government, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a new procedure for issuing press releases. Under this regime, all press statements will require explicit approval from appropriate authorities prior to release. This new policy is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to clear, coherent and structured communication, ensuring that messages accurately represent the values and goals of the government.
To facilitate this new process, only the Honourable Commissioner for Information and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor are authorised to issue official statements. This structure aligns with professional standards and global best practices in government communication, promoting a unified approach to messaging and information management. As the saying goes, “too many cooks spoil the broth”; a multiplicity of sources can dilute the effectiveness of communication. This initiative, therefore, focuses on ensuring clarity and consistency.
Since assuming office nearly two years ago, Pastor Eno has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency and openness —hallmarks of good governance. His strategic partnerships and friendly disposition towards the media community have strengthened ties that benefit all stakeholders. This approach has garnered him recognition as Nigeria’s most media-friendly governor from the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the national level, in addition to receiving numerous accolades from the Amos Etuk-led NUJ at the Akwa Ibom State level, and other media stakeholders.
Governor Eno’s decision to implement the press release directive aligns perfectly with the people-oriented policies of his administration, grounded in the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on Agricultural Development, Rural Development, Infrastructural Expansion, Security, and Educational Advancement. Through dedicated efforts across these sectors, the governor has made substantial progress, significantly enhancing food security, improving rural livelihoods, expanding infrastructure, bolstering safety measures, and advancing educational opportunities. This comprehensive approach not only meets current needs but also paves the way for sustainable growth.
With 174 Compassionate Homes, (more under construction); establishment of ARISE Elderly Home; implementation of N80,000.00 minimum wage for civil servants, in addition to regular payment of pensions and gratuities; coupled with the establishment of a Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, among other welfare initiatives, the ARISE Agenda has become a veritable agent of delivering good governance to the people.
As a result of these remarkable achievements paired with his humane approach to governance, Governor Eno has received widespread recognition, including the prestigious award of Nigeria’s Governor of the Year from esteemed organizations such as ThisDay and Leadership newspapers, among others.
While announcing the new policy on government press releases, during a church service at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Immanuel Cathedral, Itiam Etoi, Governor Eno explained that this initiative aims to create a more structured and reliable information ecosystem within the state’s governance framework. In a world that increasingly values transparency, this approach will enhance the public trust and confidence in government communications.
This new policy, therefore, offers significant advantages for government communication. By centralising the approval process, the policy ensures that all released information is consistent and accurate, reducing the risk of misinformation and fostering greater public trust.
Additionally, the directive establishes a more strategic communication framework, allowing designated officials to coordinate messaging effectively in alignment with policy objectives. This streamlined approach enables quicker responses to emerging issues and enhances the government’s capacity to manage crises, ultimately contributing to increased credibility and stronger public engagement.
Ultimately, this initiative not only empowers Akwa Ibom’s information and media managers to communicate the administration’s successes more effectively but also sets the stage for a collaborative and engaged relationship with the media. With the Governor’s supportive and inclusive guidelines, the pathway to effective information management in Akwa Ibom State is clearer than ever, promising a future where both governance and communication thrive harmoniously.
* Akparawa James Edet, a Permanent Secretary, and International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, writes from the Ministry of Information, Akwa Ibom State.
