This statement was credited to the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, at the one day workshop with the Heads of Public Affairs in the Unified Local Government, Thursday, 14th October, 2021, at Yaba Local Council Development Area, Secretariat.
The L.G.S.C boss admonished the heads of public affairs to always contribute to the growth of their respective Council to the best of their professional ethics and as well serve as the ears of the Commission about their activities. He further stretched that the main purpose of their appointment is to duly inform the employer of all the activities and happenings in their respective stations.
He stressed on the need of the heads of public affairs to always be in the know of all activities in other to keep all and sundry abreast of all happenings. Also, to be more closer to the grassroots in other to serve as one of the main advisers to the executive chairmen. With this attitude the executive chairmen would learn the truth about the real happenings in their respective Community.
Your job is to be the first informant of your executive chairman, “without you, let no other information be relevant before the chairman ,” he advised.
Commissioner Hamed Ayinde Seriki, Epe division, in his contribution, Implored all Public Affairs Officers, particularly those without requisite requirements, Communication and Journalism background to endeavor to enrol with N.I.P.R (Nigeria Institute of Public Relations) or N.I.J (Nigeria Institute of Journalism) to obtain professional certificates in other to secure their appointments and be more qualify for the job. The Commissioner who was the head of public affairs at Bariga L.C.D.A before his appointment as a Supervisor in Agboyi Ketu L.C.D.A, Executive Secretary in Epe L.G and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Government respectively, claimes he is still one us and that he always want to see us excell in our Schedules and Responsibilities.
Director of Establishment Training and Pension, Mr Samson Ogabi, enlightened the Heads of Public Affairs on the modalities and procedures that has to do with the change of name of public servants. And, most importantly retirement which may render the affected officer losing out entirely on its retirement benefits.
Permanent Secretary L.G.S.C, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, cleared the air on the vacuum left by late Mr. Yomi Eniafe’s demise as Council Manager through Public Affairs Cader. He harped on the mode of dressing of the Public Affairs Officers and how we should do our job to the best of professional ethics. The seasoned administrator pointed out that he is more of Communication person than being an Admininistrator and Human Resources Officer, his educational background started with Mass Communication discipline.
A blunt and soft spoken administrator stressed on the management of the respective Executive Chairman which does not have to do with only what you have upstairs, “Charity begins at home: your mode of dressing matters a lot, if you are not well dressed no Council Chairman will see you as a serious Image and Reputation Manager, no, he will never allows you to manage him or her”, he said
In his conclusion, he urged all the Heads of Public Affairs not to limit themselves but to acclimatise with this new generation which is a Knowledge Driven Era. “As a Public Affairs Officer you should be used to and more familiar with News Media and Social Media. He warned officers who are familiar with the flouting of Redeployment Circular which has a darer consequence”.
From the desk of P.R.O Conference of Public Affairs Officers.
