DELCOM 2026: Delta State to Host 7th Strategic Communication Workshop on Democratic Governance
…Southern Delta University DVC, Prof. Presley Obukoadata Appointed Chief Trainer
The Delta State Government has announced plans to host the 7th Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2026) from August 18 to 20, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of government communicators and media professionals in strategic public communication.
The three-day workshop, scheduled to take place at Hotel Benizia, Asaba, is expected to attract about 150 participants, including political appointees, government spokespersons, public relations officers, information managers, media practitioners, social media influencers, bloggers, and other communication stakeholders.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/07/13/apc-inec-deadline-2027-election-preparedness/
Announcing the event in Asaba, the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications and State Coordinator of DELCOM 2026, Dr. (Barr.) Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said this year’s workshop is themed:
“Strategic Communication in a Digital Era: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance.”
According to him, the programme is designed to equip participants with modern communication skills needed to effectively engage citizens, enhance public confidence, and promote transparency in governance amid the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
He explained that participants would receive practical training in strategic communication, media relations, digital communication, crisis communication, information integrity, executive communication, reputation management, and the ethical use of emerging communication technologies.
Dr. Oghenesivbe noted that technological advancements and the growth of digital media have significantly transformed how governments communicate with citizens, making continuous professional development essential.
“The dynamics of public communication have changed significantly. Citizens today expect timely, accurate and transparent information delivered across multiple platforms. Government communicators must therefore possess the professional skills and strategic capacity to communicate policies, programmes and achievements effectively, while strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.
“DELCOM 2026 is designed to sharpen these competencies through practical learning, interactive sessions and knowledge sharing facilitated by some of Nigeria’s leading communication scholars and practitioners,” he said.
The Director-General announced that Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, will serve as the Chief Trainer for DELCOM 2026.
Professor Obukoadata is widely respected for his expertise in Brand Management, Strategic Communication, and Media Studies and is expected to lead technical sessions throughout the workshop.
He will be supported by Professor Joyce Ogwezi of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, alongside renowned academics, communication strategists, and experienced media professionals from across Nigeria.
Dr. Oghenesivbe disclosed that participants will undergo intensive sessions covering:
Strategic government communication
Media engagement and public relations
Digital communication strategies
Countering misinformation and disinformation
Crisis communication and reputation management
Leadership and executive communication
Integrated communication planning
Public trust and citizen engagement
He added that the workshop is expected to improve collaboration among government communication officers, media organisations, bloggers, and digital content creators while promoting professionalism in public information management across ministries, departments, and agencies
The DELCOM 2026 State Coordinator expressed appreciation to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for approving and funding the workshop.
He described the Governor’s support as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to human capital development and institutional capacity building.
According to Dr. Oghenesivbe, the workshop aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly its focus on capacity development, improved public service delivery, and investment in human resources.
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment to building competent institutions and developing the capacity of public servants. DELCOM 2026 reflects that commitment by investing in the continuous training and retraining of government spokespersons, media professionals, social media influencers, bloggers and communication officers.
“The knowledge and skills participants will acquire will undoubtedly strengthen strategic communication, deepen public trust and improve engagement between government and citizens.”
Dr. Oghenesivbe encouraged all invited participants to actively engage in the workshop’s technical sessions, practical exercises, and peer-learning activities.
He expressed confidence that DELCOM 2026 would further consolidate Delta State’s reputation as a leading sub-national government in strategic public communication, institutional capacity development, and effective citizen engagement.
The workshop is expected to provide participants with practical knowledge and innovative communication strategies required to navigate today’s fast-changing media environment while promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
