Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged government communicators, journalists and media professionals to embrace digital innovation, uphold ethical standards and deploy effective crisis-management strategies to build public trust and strengthen democratic governance.
Oborevwori stated this while declaring open the 7th Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2026, in Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Samuel Oligida, the governor said the three-day capacity-building workshop was a timely response to the rapidly changing communication landscape, where information—whether true or false—can shape public perception within minutes.
With the theme, “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance,” DELCOM 2026 is organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications and brings together government officials, media professionals, public relations practitioners, social media influencers, bloggers and communication officers from government institutions and security agencies.
The governor said government communication could no longer be treated as an afterthought, stressing that it had become a critical component of transparent, responsible and effective governance.
According to him, the administration’s MORE Agenda places a strong premium on human capital development, noting that sustainable development requires investment not only in physical infrastructure but also in knowledge, skills, professionalism and institutional capacity.
He described DELCOM as an investment in the human capital of the state’s communication system and urged participants to sharpen their ability to identify emerging issues, verify information and respond promptly to misinformation, disinformation, fake news and other digital threats.
Oborevwori further charged government communicators to uphold accuracy, transparency, consistency and integrity, while listening to citizens and ensuring their concerns were effectively communicated to government.
He said strategic communication was vital to building public confidence, promoting accountability and encouraging meaningful citizen participation in governance.
The Delta State governor, while commending the Bureau, organising committee, facilitators and media partners for sustaining DELCOM into its seventh edition, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen the capacity of its workforce.
He urged participants to maximise the three-day programme and use the knowledge gained to build a professional, credible, responsive and people-centred communication system as the workshop continues until Thursday, August 20, 2026.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications and State Coordinator of DELCOM 2026, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said the workshop was designed to equip participants with contemporary skills for navigating the fast-evolving communication environment.
Oghenesivbe said the programme would feature intensive sessions on strategic communication, media relations, digital communication, executive communication, crisis communication, information integrity, reputation management and the ethical use of emerging communication technologies.
He noted that trust remained one of the most valuable assets of public institutions, stressing that strategic communication goes beyond information dissemination to fostering public understanding, strengthening confidence.
The DG commended Governor Oborevwori for approving and supporting DELCOM 2026, describing the initiative as evidence of the administration’s commitment to human capital development, institutional strengthening and continuous capacity building under the MORE Agenda.
He urged participants to translate the knowledge gained from the workshop into improved communication strategies, stronger collaboration and greater professionalism.
Oghenesivbe disclosed that Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, is the Chief Trainer, while Professor Joyce Ogwezi of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Dr. Rita Abamba of Delta State University, Abraka, and other communication scholars, strategists and media professionals are facilitating various sessions.
There were goodwill messages from top government functionaries including the ommissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari; Commissioner for Youth Development, Brave Enodeh; Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who was represented by a government official in the ministry, Mr Victor Eyaguogbor as well as the Head of Service, Dr.Mininim Oseji ; Chief Adviser to the Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori .
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, who was represented; Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr. Festus Okunbor; Director-General, Delta State Public Procurement Commission, Mr. Edwin Abraka; and Director-General, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpeveta.
Others included the Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Dr. Godwin Adolor; Manager, Communication, Government House, Asaba, Mr. Jackson Ekwugum; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects), Mr. Okisa Ifeajika, among others.
