His Excellency,
Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa,
Governor of Delta State,
His Excellency,
Barr Kingsley Otuaro,
Deputy Governor of Delta State,
Distinguished and Honourable Members,
Of the National Assembly
Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
Hon. Minister of Information and Culture
Mrs. AyotundeAdesugba,
Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Information of Culture
Hon. Members
of the Delta State House of Assembly,
Hon. Commissioners and Members
of the Delta State Executive Council,
Hon. Commissioners of information
from the 36 States of the Federation
Permanent secretaries
from the 36 States of the Federation
Directors in the Federal and State ministries of information
General Managers of Federal and States owned media outfit
Stakeholders in the information industry
Information officers,
and entire members of Nigeria union of Journalist
Invited guests
Ladies and gentlemen
1.0 It gives me great pleasure, once again, to extend to you all a very warm welcome on behalf of the Delta State Ministry of Information and to say how grateful we are to the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is today present in our midst, and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to convene the 46th Meeting of the National Council on Information on leveraging on information and digital technology to sustain the change agenda of government, here in Asaba, Delta State. That many of you travel long distances serves to remind us all just how important our work is.
2.0 The National Council on Information is an opportune time to renew contacts and discuss problems of mutual interest with delegates from member States of the Federation.
3.0 Basically, the main purpose of this meeting is to exchange ideas. And participating in this meeting will be, on the one hand, senior Government officials and, on the other, delegates from different State proferring solutions to the theme challenge.The result, it is hoped, will be to the benefit of all, who are involved in improving their States brand perception and reputation.
4.0 It is gratifying to note that the agenda of the second-day Meeting covers a wide range of very interesting items relating to how we can leverage on information and digital technology to sustain the change agenda and on other issues directly related and in consonant to both the Federal and State Governments.
5.0 As emphasised in yesterday’s welcome address and paper presentation, where I noted that since quite a good number of Nigerians are digitally literate, it is of paramount importance that we begin to take seriously the role of new media in new gathering, information dissemination and archiving. There is also a need to take advantage of its on-demand and real-timeaccessibility, broad reach, a target audience that is made upof mostly the millennial demography and an easy feedback mechanics by creating campaigns and seeking influencers that can help spreads the change agenda of the Federal Government as well as the programmes and policies of State Governments.
6.0 The lessons we have learned today and our contributions to the 46th meeting in the form of considered memos would applied and we are more convinced that the expected outcome would be very positive.
7.0 While I look forward to another robust meeting,personally, I feel one absorbs information best when the surroundings are congenial. Here, in the Big Heart, you have the most pleasant framework possible. As host, you have an obliging and hospitable PDP-led Government. As if this were not enough, we are encouraging all to be present at the Gala night as we have another opportunity to showcase our revered talents.
8.0 In concluding, I wish you every success in your deliberations and a very pleasant stay in Asaba, Delta State.
