By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Conference 57 CPS |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a significant event aimed at strengthening governance communication, the Conference 57 of Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) to Lagos Local Government Chairmen successfully held a two-day Valedictory Programme and introduction of new members.
The event, which took place on Friday at the prestigious Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Badagry, highlighted the critical role of media executives in local government administration and set a forward-looking agenda for incoming officials.
The programme served as a formal transition, celebrating the contributions of outgoing Chief Press Secretaries while officially welcoming and orienting new appointees into the fold. The gathering underscored the unique collaborative spirit of the Conference 57, a body renowned for its professionalism and pivotal role in disseminating information across Nigeria's largest metropolitan area.
Emphasizing the indispensability of the CPS role, the host Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, delivered a powerful testimony. “The role of a CPS is quite enormous,” he stated.
“Despite that the information unit is doing a great job, we can't underestimate the job of a CPS. Any chairman without a CPS, I don’t know how he's going to survive; the vacuum you're covering is enormous.” His remarks resonated with attendees, affirming the strategic importance of their work in bridging the gap between council leadership and the citizens.
Kayode Adejumo, a presenter from Faaji FM, represented by Manoah Kikekon, charged the CPS members to uphold the highest standards. “As we move forward, professionalism and integrity must remain our compass,” he advised.
He highlighted the dual nature of the digital age, noting, “We must leverage social media responsibly, counter misinformation, and highlight positive stories.” He also stressed the necessity of continuous learning and building strong networks with media stakeholders.
Mr. Jaji Rasak, a repoalrter fom News Agency of Nigeria, elaborated on the strategic dimensions of the office. “The office of the CPS is more than just press releases and media coverage. It is about agenda setting, public perception management, and building trust between council leadership and the people,” he declared.
He defined the CPS as “the eyes, ears, and voice of the Chairman,” with a critical mandate to shape narratives, highlight government projects, and manage crisis communication to prevent public mistrust.
The Chairman of Conference 57, Kamaldeen Iyanda Abdulsalam, brought the themes together in his keynote address. He first paid tribute to the outgoing members, praising their “resilience and innovation” in bridging the gap between councils and communities and “setting a legacy of excellence.”
Turning to the incoming CPS members, he framed their new roles as both an honour and a profound responsibility, tasking them with shaping public perception and fostering trust through accurate information dissemination.