Dr Ale advocates professionalism, modern communication tools

…Says integrity, strategy key to effective government media

…Aiyedatiwa’s CPS stresses hands-on leadership, mentorship

By Precious Oluwole

Media practitioners and government information managers in Ondo State have been urged to prioritise professionalism, ethical responsibility and strategic communication to strengthen public trust and engagement.

The call was made by Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communication at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), during his presentation of a paper titled “Effective Modern Strategies in Reporting and Dissemination of Government Activities: A Call to Dedication and Professionalism” at the end-of-year gathering of the Governor’s media team on Tuesday.

Dr Ale emphasised that effective communication is more than merely transmitting information; it demands trust, clarity and purpose.

Reflecting on his career in Ondo State, he recalled his service as Government House Correspondent under Col. Ahmed Usman and Navy Captain Anthony Ibe Onyearugbulem and later as Chief Press Secretary under Chief Adebayo Adefarati.

Highlighting his tenure as the pioneer Director of Media and Corporate Communication at NASRDA, Dr Ale described his role as bridging complex scientific innovations with the everyday realities of Nigerians, positioning NASRDA as a household name while projecting its achievements nationally and internationally.

“The role required creativity, resilience and vision. Communication must inspire confidence, promote transparency and reinforce accountability,” he said, citing philosophers including Francis Bacon and Plato to underscore the responsibility of media professionals in framing government policies and programmes accurately.

He urged the Governor’s media team and information managers to move beyond routine reporting, advocating strategic communication that shapes narratives to build public trust without compromising accuracy.

Dr Ale stressed that professionalism, dedication and credibility remain the most valuable currency in government communication and encouraged the adoption of modern tools, including digital media, narrative journalism and interactive engagement.

On transparency and crisis management, he highlighted the need for relationship building, regular briefings for journalists, participatory engagement with citizens, and coordination with federal information managers to ensure consistent messaging.

 

Dr Ale likened media practitioners to “launch vehicles” and “communication satellites,” responsible for transmitting truth, clarity and enlightenment across the state.

Also addressing the gathering, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, reflected on leadership, resilience and the responsibilities of managing government media operations.

He commended Dr Ale as “a rallying point for media professionals across states” and acknowledged his presence despite logistical challenges.

Adeniyan noted the inconvenience caused by roadworks near the venue, praising attendees who walked from distant parking areas, saying: “This shows that commitment to our work can overcome any obstacle.”

He also highlighted the expansion of the event to include media partners and friends, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.

Reflecting on his tenure since December 27, 2023, Adeniyan described his role as both rewarding and challenging, noting that his unionist background as Chapel Chairman, State Secretary, and National Officer of the Nigeria Union of Journalists equipped him to manage government media operations effectively.

He recounted the practical challenges of organising the event, including differing opinions on entertainment, and said that including both a DJ and a live band demonstrated compromise and inclusivity.

He also spoke on personal decisions in office, prioritising professional experience and access to the Governor over material gain, urging media practitioners to separate personal circumstances from professional output.

Looking ahead, Adeniyan warned that 2026 would be a busy year with state creation anniversaries, upcoming primaries for national and state assemblies, and the presidential race.

He encouraged media practitioners to prepare for heightened political coverage while maintaining professionalism and integrity.

He emphasised his hands-on leadership style, noting that he never delegates tasks he cannot perform, and described structures such as open-door policies and engagement platforms that ensure continuity in government-media relations. Adeniyan credited Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for facilitating his appointment and praised his team, particularly Director of Information Mrs Posi Odofin, for their dedication.

Adeniyan expressed confidence that the gathering would endure as a platform for mentorship, professional growth and collaboration beyond his tenure.

In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multimedia, who doubles as the chairman of the planning committee, Mr Taiwo Gbamila, commended the Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for providing them with a platform to showcase their talents.

He also expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to making the day a success.

Gbamila urged media practitioners in Ondo State to speak with one voice, noting that it is only through unity that they can achieve exploits and wonders.

He emphasised that by speaking with one voice, they would be able to obtain whatever they desire from the government and reach wherever they aspire to be.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mr Femi Akarakiri, urged the press to project the government positively, stressing that propaganda is unnecessary where performance speaks for itself.

Also, Comrade Leke Adegbite, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, and APC chieftain and business mogul, Olumuyiwa Adu (Cubana), who was represented by Dr Kehinde Omoniyi, congratulated the Governor on appointing Prince Adeniyan, describing him as an effective information manager whose style has earned widespread admiration.