OGSG RESUSCITATES SMAT FOR EFFECTIVE INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the resuscitation of the   State’s Media Analysis Team (SMAT) to stimulate and enhance effective dissemination of Government activities, programmes and policies in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the general public.

In a letter signed by the Governor, the terms of operation of the team includes to put Information Managers in MDAs on their toes on the need for prompt dissemination of information on government activities to the public with the aim of bridging the gap between the government and governed.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on media and Public communication who doubles as the Chairman of the team, Hon. Remmy Hazzan while leading the team to some MDAs observed that, Government activities in some of the Ministries had been under reported saying, all hands must be on the deck to ensure that the people are better informed to help government gain their supports, understanding and cooperation.

Hon. Hazzan explained that, the visit would help build a more cordial relationship between the Information Officers and Management of the Ministries, add value to governance and encourage the Information Officers and their Principals to work closely to achieve the common goal of projecting the image of the state government.

“Media Analysis would encourage State MDAs and Local Government Areas adhere strictly to the appropriate process, through this periodic check on the agencies of government interface with the media and public at large” the Chairman stated.

Hon Hazzan added that, the exercise was not to witch-hunt anyone but to make sure activities of Government in MDAs were reported adequately, calling on Heads of the  MDAs to increase their level of support in the area of funding for media related  matters to ensure the global space was well utilised to promote the government.

The Secretary of the team and Director in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Lanre Ogunyinka in his response pointed out that the State Media Analysis was one of the work plans of the Information Ministry to ensure that government activities were properly publicised up to the grassroot level.

Speaking during the team's visit to the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, the    Commissioner in the Ministry, Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo explained that, the Ministry had built a formidable partnership with the media which has been helping in the reportage of the various projects executed by the present administration.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya lauded the SMAT for the visit, noting that the team's revival would engender good governance and also generate feedback.

The team also visited Ministries of Local Government  and  Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Justic and Public Service Transformation Office for the first week.

The team's visitation to various MDAs continues on Monday, April 12 with the visit to Internal Revenue Service, Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Ministry of Environment.