Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has stressed the need for information managers and communication Strategists to consistently network amongst themselves, in order to share vital knowledge needed to enhance good governance in pubic service and in the corporate world.
Okowa gave the advise at the annual conference and capacity building programme of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, CIISM, held on Saturday June 12, 2021 in Asaba, Delta state capital.
The governor who was ably represented by his Special Adviser and former Chairman of the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Edwin Uzor, said networking among professionals sharpens skills and broadens scope of knowledge, and therefore cannot be overemphasized in nation building.
Okowa, who holds the highest honour of Distinguished Fellow, dfcism, of the Chartered Institute of information and Strategy Management, congratulated the new President of the Institute, Dr Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor, SAN, his Vice, Prof Mathew Olugbenga Oyeyemi and the Council Board, urging them to efficiently and effectively pilot the affairs of CIISM to greater heights during their tenure in office.
He said Information management is critical in the corporate world and in governance, which is why regular capacity building programme is required from time to time, to update the skills of stakeholders.
Okowa urged the Mrakpor led CIISM Council to consistently design professional skills enhancement and evaluation programmes; tailored to meet the sophistication of new technologies, so as to efficiently drive government and management goals to fruition in information dissemination within and outside the organisation.
“Networking amongst professionals is an integral part of internal and external human and work relations strategy, it enhances professional skills development, as well as promotes broad based cross fertilization of ideas needed for strategic action plans, and credible dissemination of information and strategy management.
“I have confidence in the leadership skills and capacity of our new President, Dr Mrakpor, SAN, and therefore do not have any iota of doubt in my mind that he will serve the Institute to the best of his abilities and without blemish.
“Delta is a peaceful state and our people are friendly. It is hoped that your brief stay will be enjoyable and memorable,” Okowa assured.
In his post inauguration address, President of CIISM, Dr Peter Mrakpor, SAN, charged newly inducted fellows and members to be alert to global trend in information and Strategy management.
He said their induction as professional information managers has imposed on them the challenges of having to stand tall in integrity, impeccable in character, professional in service and uphold high ethical and professional standards at all times
“I congratulate the inductees on the completion of their mandatory capacity building and professional skills training modules.
“The trainers and facilitators including Prof Mathew Oyeyemi did a good job, and I wish to commend them for their well researched modules and presentations.
“I am confident that the skills and knowledge acquired will enhance your competence and enable you to provide value added services to your employers and society in general.
“The Institute had in the last few years benchmarked with; Liberal Bilingual University of Togo, for Degree and Doctorate programmes, State University of New York and several others. We must strive hard to utilize the opportunities offered by these partnership to further our professional education and skills development.
“I thank my leader and governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for giving me the opportunity to serve him and the state as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, for a period of six years.
“He is a visionary leader and has achieved so much within six years in office as Governor of Delta State, and still counting,” Mrakpor said.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the capacity building programme cum Conference, Council Member and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Fcism, JP, disclosed that CIISM Council has approved the take off of Delta State chapter of the Institute.
He said Delta is privileged to produce the incumbent President of the Institute, describing Mrakpor, SAN, as a detribalised Nigerian, a visionary leader, legal icon per excellence, and a highly meticulous technocrat with impeccable character and aristocratic dignity.
“He shall play the dual role of Chairman of Council and President of the Institute. His first assignment to oversee the preparations for this year’s conference christened; CIISM Delta 2021, was a huge success.
“The Institute received some applications from intending members in Delta State. The state chapter will have to process them for the approval of the national body.
“Intending members across the state are advised to obtain CIISM membership form at the Office of the Executive Assistant (Communications) to the Governor of Delta State, Governor’s Office, Asaba, from Tuesday, June 15, 2021,” Oghenesivbe said.
Highlight of the event was the formal decoration of the new President, Dr Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor, SAN by the Governor’s representative, Chief Edwin Uzor, JP ably assisted by senior CIISM Council members, as well as the induction of new Fellows and members of the Institute, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State, Hon Nelson Egware, Fcism, and AIT Government House Correspondent, Dr Ebere Obiakor, Fcism.
The conference attracted dignitaries which include; the Okobare of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Mathew Egbi, JP, Honourable Justices D.C Maidoh and Onome Marshall-Umukoro, Hon Shedrack Rapu – DTHA, Hon Chief Benjamin Fekodo, Non Sitting member DTHA, Hon David Tonwe, DG Security and Mr Sunny Oritsedere, Executive Secretary, Delta State Scholarship Board.
Also in attendance are; Former members of Delta State Exco; Prince Emman Amgbaduba – Oil and Gas, Engr Lawrence Ejiofor – Culture and Tourism, Chief Henry Sakpra – Special Duties, Mrs Gbubemi Ikolo – Technical Education, Ifeanyi Egwunyenga – Youth Development and Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo – Urban Renewal.