Anambra State Information Officers Urged to Embrace Digital Skills and Ethical Professionalism
By Chizoba Njaka
The 2025 Annual Information Management Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ministry of Information Chapel, has emphasized the need for information officers in Anambra State to acquire digital skills, uphold ethical professionalism, and engage in strategic communication to effectively serve the public and promote good governance.
The conference, themed “Opportunities Available to Information Officers”, was held at the HOS Conference Hall, Secretariat Complex, Awka, and was sponsored by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), and REAPFOLD Property Limited.
In his opening speech, former Commissioner for Information, Mr. Tony Nweke, commended the Chairman of NUJ, Ministry of Information Chapel, Dr. Stanley Onungwo, for revitalizing the union and refocusing it on capacity building. Mr. Nweke expressed disappointment at the poor attendance and urged information officers to improve their commitment and align with current digital trends in reportage.
Chief Tony Onyima, delivering the keynote address, highlighted ten opportunities available to information officers in the digital age, including digital storytelling, data-driven communication, real-time engagement, and crisis communication. He urged them to treat Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “colleague” rather than a threat, explaining that AI tools can assist in fact-checking, translation, and content enhancement.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, emphasized the crucial role of journalism in democracy, urging practitioners to maintain integrity and professionalism. The Chairman of NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Emeka Odogwu, advised information officers to strive for excellence and support one another.
Barrister Onyekwere Ndilika, outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, expressed appreciation for the recognition received. She encouraged information officers to take ownership of their work, demonstrate their value, and promote themselves, even in the absence of recognition.
Ndilika lamented on the poor attendance at the conference, urging officers to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to enhance their performance and market themselves effectively. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic, advising officers to always report to work and strive for excellence, regardless of recognition.
Managing Director of the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO), Sir Chuka Nnabuife, highlighted the evolving role of information officers in today's rapidly changing technological landscape.
According to him, information officers occupy a critical position at the intersection of public relations, public policy, institutional reputation, and digital narratives, playing a vital role in translating policy into accessible messages that inspire, educate, and transform.
Sir Nnabuife emphasized that information officers are custodians of a powerful currency that shapes governance, persuasion, and global interaction, underscoring the importance of their role in disseminating knowledge and promoting citizen engagement.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ministry of Information Chapel, Dr. Stanley Onungwo expressed gratitude to God for the successful 2025 conference, held after a three-year hiatus. He assured delegates that significant changes await information officers in the coming year and promised that henceforth will improve their working conditions.
Dr. Stanley thanked sponsors Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) for their support and praised the information officers for their unity and dedication. He commended the outgoing permanent secretary expressing confidence in the current commissioner's leadership.
The chairman specifically praised the commissioner Law Mefor for treating all officers equally and without discrimination, and encouraged information officers to continue their good work, urging them not to be discouraged but to keep performing their duties to the best of their abilities.
In his vote of thanks, the Director, information department, Mr. Emmanuel Ikegwuani, expressed gratitude to the ministry, describing the event as a wonderful outing that exceeded his expectations. He prayed that the positive momentum would continue, yielding more opportunities and successes.
Ikegwuani specifically thanked the Permanent Secretary, acknowledging the supportive environment, and expressed optimism that it would lead to further growth and achievements.
The conference also featured the presentation of Outstanding Excellence Awards to distinguished information officers and a sendoff ceremony for the outgoing Permanent Secretary and an information officer.