Oborevwori Opens 7th DELCOM, Charges Communicators On Digital Engagement, Crisis Management

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, declared open the 7th Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2026) in Asaba, charging government communicators and media professionals to embrace digital innovation, professionalism and ethical communication to build public trust and strengthen democratic governance.

The governor, who was represented at the opening ceremony by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, said the three-day capacity-building workshop, holding from Tuesday, August 18, to Thursday, August 20, was a timely response to the changing dynamics of public communication.

The workshop, organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, has the theme, “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance.” It brings together government officials, media professionals, public relations practitioners, social media influencers, bloggers and communication officers from government institutions and security agencies.

Governor Oborevwori said information now travels with unprecedented speed, with a single piece of information, whether true or false, capable of influencing public perception within minutes. He therefore stressed that government communication could no longer be treated as an afterthought but as an essential component of responsible, transparent and effective governance.

He said his administration’s MORE Agenda places strong emphasis on human capital development, noting that sustainable development requires investment not only in physical infrastructure but also in knowledge, skills, professionalism and institutional capacity.

Oborevwori described DELCOM as an investment in the human capital of the state’s communication system, urging media aides, public relations officers, journalists, social media influencers and other communication practitioners to develop the skills required to identify emerging issues, verify information and respond promptly to misinformation, disinformation, fake news and other digital threats.

He also charged government communicators to uphold accuracy, transparency, consistency and integrity, while listening to citizens and ensuring that their concerns were appropriately communicated to government. According to him, effective strategic communication is critical to strengthening public confidence, accountability and citizen participation in governance.

In his welcome address, the Director-General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications and State Coordinator of DELCOM 2026, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., said the workshop was designed to equip participants with contemporary skills for navigating the rapidly evolving communication environment.

Oghenesivbe said the three-day programme would feature intensive sessions on strategic communication, media relations, digital communication, executive communication, crisis communication, information integrity, reputation management and the ethical use of emerging communication technologies.

He said trust remained one of the most valuable assets of public institutions, stressing that strategic communication went beyond information dissemination to fostering public understanding, strengthening confidence in institutions and promoting constructive citizen engagement.

The DG commended Governor Oborevwori for approving and supporting DELCOM 2026, describing it as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to human capital development, institutional strengthening and continuous capacity building under the MORE Agenda. He urged participants to ensure that knowledge acquired during the workshop translated into improved communication strategies, stronger collaboration and greater professionalism.

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

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The opening ceremony was attended by several senior government officials, including the Head of Service, Dr. Mimi Oseji, who was represented; 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, who was represented; Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; who was represented, Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr. Festus Okunbor; Director-General, Delta State Public Procurement Commission, Mr. Edwin Abraka; and Director-General, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpeveta.

Others included the Executive Secretary, 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.

The governor, while commending the Bureau, organising committee, facilitators and media partners for sustaining DELCOM into its seventh edition, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen the capacity of its workforce.

He urged participants to maximise the three-day programme and use the knowledge gained to build a professional, credible, responsive and people-centred communication system as the workshop continues until Thursday, August 20, 2026.