The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, has urged Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to embrace open communication, strengthen professional collaboration and improve government visibility through effective public engagement.
Omotoso gave the charge on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a meeting with Public Affairs Officers at Combo Hall, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, where he assured officers of his commitment to addressing concerns relating to welfare, funding, training and working conditions.
Describing the Ministry as one family, the Commissioner encouraged officers to freely communicate their challenges and suggestions without fear of restrictions. He also called for improved funding of public communication activities, urging PAOs to participate actively in budget preparation and submit realistic proposals that reflect their operational needs.
He pledged support for professional development through training, retreats and membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). He also promised to review the proposed communication policy to establish clearer guidelines for information management, especially during emergencies and sensitive situations.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, described his appointment by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a new beginning for the Ministry, calling for stronger teamwork, professionalism and improved service delivery.
Ogunbanwo assured officers of the support of the Governor, Deputy Governor and Commissioner but urged them to reciprocate through greater commitment, visibility and proactive communication. He expressed concern over the low participation of some PAOs in government communication activities, particularly on digital and social media platforms, stressing the need to consistently publicise government policies, programmes and achievements.
He also encouraged officers to support one another and participate actively in initiatives such as Ask Lagos, while emphasising mutual respect, seniority and hierarchy as important values for mentorship, discipline and institutional growth. However, he noted that these values should not discourage younger officers from contributing ideas and innovations.
On the outstanding special allowance for the Public Affairs cadre, Ogunbanwo acknowledged the concerns surrounding the issue and assured officers that efforts were ongoing to address it, expressing optimism about 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 of Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Mr Jide Lawal, highlighted the importance of timely information dissemination, fact-checking, continuous training and stronger relationships with media practitioners. He identified declining public trust, disinformation, inadequate funding and delays in information flow as major challenges facing government communication.
The meeting also featured a welcome address by the General Manager of Lagos Television, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, while the General Manager of Traffic Radio, Mr Tayo Akanle, delivered the closing remarks.
Akanle urged PAOs to maintain political neutrality, verify information before publication and safeguard the credibility of government communication, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, professionalism and coordinated communication across Lagos State’s information agencies.