DELCOM 2026: Communication Experts Challenge Practitioners To Build Public Trust Through Strategic Digital Communication

By: Faith Ebireri

The 7th edition of the Delta State Communication (DELCOM) three-day workshop opened in Asaba on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, with communication scholars, journalists, government media personnel and public information officers challenged to deploy strategic communication to strengthen public trust and credibility in democratic governance.

The workshop, themed “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance,” brought together more than 60 participants drawn from media organisations, government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Immigration Service across Delta State.

The workshop was officially declared open by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Samuel Oligida.

The opening ceremony attracted senior government officials and representatives, including the Head of Service, Dr Mimi Oseji; Chief Adviser to the Governor, Chief Senator Ighoyota Amori; Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari; Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Brave Enodeh; Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu; Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen; Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr Festus Okunbor; Director-General of the Delta State Public Procurement Commission, Mr Edwin Abraka; and Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpeveta.

Others in attendance included the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Dr Godwin Adolor; Manager, Communication, Government House, Asaba, Mr Jackson Ekwugum; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects), Mr Okisa Ifeajika, among others.

In his welcome address, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe highlighted the state administration’s commitment to human capital development and urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired during the workshop into improved communication strategies, stronger institutional collaboration and enhanced professional practice.

Oghenesivbe disclosed that Prof. Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, would serve as the Chief Trainer, while Prof. Joyce Ogwezi of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; Dr Rita Abosede Abambam of Delta State University, Abraka; and other communication scholars, strategists and media professionals would facilitate the various sessions.

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Representing the Governor, Oligida noted that the contemporary communication environment had fundamentally altered the speed and reach of information, making strategic and credible public communication increasingly important to governance.

“Information now travels with unprecedented speed, with a single piece of information, whether true or false, capable of influencing public perception within minutes.”

He urged participants to maximise the three-day programme and apply the knowledge gained to building a professional, credible, responsive and people-centred communication system.

The workshop subsequently moved into its technical sessions, beginning with a presentation by Dr Rita Abosede Abambam on Strategic Communication and Public Trust. The session examined strategic communication within the context of democratic governance, effective communication of government policies, programmes and impact, as well as executive communication and public speaking.

Abambam emphasised the central role of communication practitioners in bridging the gap between government and citizens, particularly in translating policies and programmes into information that the public can understand, engage with and trust.

“Communication is not accidental; trust is the currency of governance,” she stated, stressing that effective governance could lose visibility and public impact when institutions fail to communicate their policies and achievements strategically.

The training adopted a practical approach, with participants divided into five groups to develop communication plans for a flagship government programme. The exercise provided an opportunity for participants to apply the principles discussed during the session while strengthening teamwork, professional networking, critical thinking and practical communication skills.

The first day concluded with group presentations, interactive discussions and practical exercises, setting the stage for further sessions on digital communication, crisis management, public trust and strategic communication during the remaining days of the workshop.

The 7th edition of DELCOM continues until Thursday, 20 August 2026.