Lagos commissioner urges PAOs to drive proactive engagement

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has called on Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) to elevate their roles within the state government by embracing proactiveness and actively seeking opportunities to add significant value.

The Commissioner delivered this charge during an interactive session held today with PAOs from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the State Government at Lagos Television in Ikeja. Emphasising the need for PAOs to move beyond reactive tasks, Mr. Omotoso stressed the importance of taking initiative and proactively contributing to the government’s objectives. He specifically highlighted the crucial role of PAOs in boosting the visibility and engagement of government social media platforms through consistent and dynamic content.

“It’s time to be the driving force,” Mr. Omotoso stated. “Make yourselves indispensable by anticipating needs, innovating solutions, and consistently delivering impactful work that resonates with your principals and the public.”

He underscored the importance of proactive communication in showcasing the government’s achievements and initiatives, urging officers to leverage their roles in promoting the State’s developmental strides and responding appropriately to public concerns.

Assuring the Public Affairs Officers of support from the parent Ministry, Omotoso encouraged staff to share challenges encountered in the course of duty, while also emphasising the need to maintain professionalism in their assignments.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, underscored the significance of the gathering as a platform to address the challenges faced by PAOs in their daily operations. He also encouraged the officers to hone their interpersonal skills to enhance their effectiveness in serving their principals and the wider governmental system.

According to him, the interactive session provided a valuable opportunity for Public Affairs Officers to voice their concerns and share insights into the obstacles hindering their performance. “This open dialogue allowed for a direct exchange with the Commissioner and Permanent Secretary,” he stated.

Mr. Sogunle advised the officers to take advantage of the Ministry’s open-door policy to offer suggestions on expanding the Lagos State Government’s social media influence among internet users.