By Henry Usiayo
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has charged public relations practitioners to leverage on technological innovations towards driving the socio-economic growth and development in the contemporary global economy.
Governor Oborevwori gave the charge while declaring open this year’s Chief Executives and Directors Conference and Retreat of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Marian Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba, yesterday.
Oborevwori said technology in digital communications could be used adequately for the audience to fully comprehend both the latent and manifest content of communication.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, noted that it was essential a message encoded to be properly properly understood by the decoder to adjust his attitude, taste and behavioural patterns to suit what was intended.
Oborevwori noted that the theme of the conference and retreat; Leveraging Technology and Data-Driven Insights for Digital Communication was germane, given the jet speed of the growth of science and technology these days and appreciated the institute for their choice of Asaba to host the conference and retreat, which he said was to a large extent the confidence in the modest efforts his administration was making to mak the State better in line with his MORE Agenda.
The Vice President of the NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura in his address revealed that the governing council has approved next Conference to focus on public relations innovations executive retreat where members will showcase the various initiatives they have delivered to their various organizations.
Setting the tone for the 2024 Directors Conference and Retreat, the Chairperson Planning Committee, NIPR Directors Conference, Mrs. Thelma Okoh said the Conference of Directors of Public Relations has over the years been a rallying point for industry leaders to x-ray topical issues and trends that shape the public relations industry.
The keynote paper presenter, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan said technology was essentially beneficial to man and the society as it brings values to the society, adding that a good interpersonal communication skills and strong aptitude for the written words were necessary ingredients for effective public relations.
There were goodwill messages from the Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Urban Renewal, Mrs. Charity Ehimen among others.
Participants at the conference including the General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service DBS Asaba Mrs Kristine Jobome-Emetulu, said the theme for the conference; Leveraging Technology and Data-Driven Insights for Digital Communication was apt and harped on the need for media practitioners to leverage on technology in the positive way in the discharge of their duties.