LASG SEEKS IMPROVEMENT IN GRASSROOT INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Lagos State government has said that it will continue to improve its relationship with its citizens at the grassroots through an effective and participatory method of communication.

The Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa, stated this at a training programme organised by the Commission for Information Managers with the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas on ‘Effective Communication” and how to adopt the dynamics of the new media for a seamless government-public interaction.

He explained that the State government intends to know the views of residents on government policies and programmes through the feedbacks collated by grassroots information managers.

According to him, “The feedbacks that would be received from the information managers would assist government in planning its programmes, plans and policies for the benefit of the entire residents of the State.”

He promised that the State government, through the Commission, will continue to invest in honing the skills of local government staff and expose them to relevant training in their areas of responsibility.

Also speaking during the training session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community and Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan said the training would further lessen the challenges being faced by information managers in influencing the perception of members of the public, especially at the LG/LCDAs.

He maintained that information remains the bedrock of growth for any organisation if it is well managed, stressing that the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to ensuring the autonomy of local government administration if given the needed support and cooperation.

The Special Adviser stated that beyond the conventional ways of reportage Information Managers should infuse the dynamics of comics, cartoons and entertaining illustrations in driving home their messages.

Bamigbetan added that cursory attention must also be paid to the emerging social media platforms with the aim of using them for the growth and benefit of the State Government.