Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… Honours VC for Excellence in Information Management

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on May 8, 2025, played host to a One-Day Capacity Building Training for Information and Public Relations Officers across Ogun State. The training, held at the Green Chamber of the University, was organised by the Ogun State Information Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and themed “Advancing Information Dissemination Through Emerging Technologies.”

The training was aimed at equipping participants with cutting-edge tools and techniques essential for effective communication in the digital age.

Declaring the event open, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, emphasised the need for continuous knowledge acquisition in the public sector to match the pace of global innovation. Citing futurist Alvin Toffler, he noted that the illiterate of the 21st century are those unable to “learn, unlearn and relearn.” He urged Information Officers to leverage technology to meet the expectations of increasingly discerning and digital-savvy audiences.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Mufutau Atayese, applauded NUJ’s initiative and expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for its support. He highlighted the urgent need for institutions to embrace digital storytelling, pointing out that effective communication has evolved beyond mere message dissemination to include strategic narrative shaping, digital diplomacy, and public trust management.

He said, “We have moved from the era of town criers and typewriters to the age of Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Smart Devices. At FUNAAB, we are committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world application, and this event aligns perfectly with that vision.”

While receiving the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Information Management in recognition of his unwavering support and contributions to the field, the Vice-Chancellor expressed the University’s appreciation to the Chapel for the honour, emphasising the critical need for continuous training and retraining to stay updated with modern skills and tools in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In his Goodwill Message, the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi, underscored the critical role of accurate information in national development, encouraging participants to utilise the University’s top-tier Library resources. In his words, “Having money without accurate information is a dead end.”

Similarly, the Director, Institute of Communication and General Studies (ICGNS), Prof. Remi Aduradola, affirmed the importance of continuous learning in communication, assuring participants of a rewarding experience.

According to a communiqué issued at the end of the training, participants were encouraged to become more technologically savvy to remain relevant in the ever-evolving media landscape. It emphasised the growing need for digital literacy skills such as online research, social media engagement, content creation, and trend analysis to enhance public trust and policy communication.

The communiqué further recommended that the government provide Information Officers with necessary tools such as laptops, smartphones, internet access, and dressing allowances to enhance productivity. It also urged continuous, hands-on capacity building and the implementation of robust digital storage systems to support data access and research.

Present at the training session were Mr. Dayo Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, represented by Mrs. Olatundun Adekunle, Director, Bureau of Information and Technology; Mrs. Toyin Sogbesan, General Manager, OGBC; Mr. Femi Dokunmu, Executive Director, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority; Mr. Waheed Adesina, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy; Dr. Sam Oyeleye, Ministry of Information and Strategy, including many FUNAAB Top Officials that were Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Mr. Moses Ayanda, Deputy Registrar I, Vice-Chancellor’s Office; Mr. Adewale Ojoye, Deputy Registrar II, Council Affairs, and several staff members of the Directorate of Public Relations.

The training marked yet another demonstration of FUNAAB’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in public service through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.