By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said strategic communication is critical to strengthening public trust, accountability and citizen participation in democratic governance.
Oborevwori stated this on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while declaring open the seventh Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2026, in Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, the governor said the theme of this year’s workshop, “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance,” was particularly relevant in an era of rapid digital information dissemination.
He observed that the emergence of social media and other digital platforms had fundamentally changed how citizens receive, interpret and respond to information.
According to him, false or misleading information can spread within minutes, making it necessary for government communication officers to develop the capacity to verify information and respond quickly to emerging narratives.
The governor therefore called on media aides, public relations officers, journalists, bloggers and social media influencers working within the public communication ecosystem to uphold professional and ethical standards.
He said communicators must ensure that government policies and programmes are presented accurately while also creating channels through which citizens can communicate their concerns to government.
Communication as Human Capital Investment
Oborevwori said his administration’s MORE Agenda recognises human capital development as an important driver of sustainable development.
He described DELCOM as an investment in the human capital of Delta State’s communication system, stressing that institutional development requires continuous investment in knowledge, skills and professionalism.
The governor urged participants to use the workshop to improve their capacity in digital engagement, misinformation management, crisis communication and strategic public relations.
He also commended the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications for sustaining the workshop into its seventh edition.
DG Oghenesivbe Calls for Practical Application
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said DELCOM 2026 was designed to equip communication professionals with skills required to navigate the modern information environment.
Oghenesivbe said participants would receive intensive training in strategic communication, media relations, executive communication, crisis management, information integrity, reputation management and emerging communication technologies.
He emphasised that trust was a major asset for public institutions and urged participants to ensure that the knowledge acquired translated into measurable improvements in their workplaces.
The programme features Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata as Chief Trainer, alongside Professor Joyce Ogwezi, Dr. Rita Abamba and other communication scholars and professionals.
DELCOM 2026 continues in Asaba until Thursday, August 20, 2026.
