Communication experts have identified evolving mechanisms to be adopted in achieving effective public information management, particularly within the government circle.

The experts made this known during the closing of a two-day training for Information and Public Relations Officers, with the theme, "Upscaling Public Information Management Through Strategic Public Relations", organised by the Bureau of Establishments and Training, in conjunction with Ottocom International, at Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Speaking, a former Chief Press Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Dare Folarin, in his paper presentation, titled, ‘’Persuasive Reportorial Writing Skill’’, said it was crucial for Information and Public Relations Officers to familiarise themselves with the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools for efficiency and effective dissemination of information about government to the public, as well as receiving prompt feedback.

Mr. Folarin added that participants must have ability to make quick and effective decisions, imbibe reading culture, connect with people, know their environment and make regular use of the dictionary, to enable them be a lifetime learner.

Also presenting his paper on, “Public Opinion Measurements and Evaluative Strategies, a public communication analyst, Mr. Gbenga Gbesan, opined that officers should have adequate knowledge of data gathering and analysis, get fact with figures and provide clear evidence to back up a write-up, to be factual and convince the public.

He stated that public opinion could be formed through public service policies, rendering of services and delivery, adding that officers should see themselves as part of management by presenting data gathered, in order to help government shape its policies.

On his part, an Information Technology (IT) expert, Mr. Odamilola Adeyanju, in his presentation titled, "Managing Public Information Through IT and Social Media Skills", emphasised the need for updated Public Relations practice through the use of the social media and IT tools, to pave way for an effective and efficient information management.

He highlighted the importance of social media information sharing and engaging in modern practice, noting that information accuracy, transparency, timelines, wider reach, data precision and cost effectiveness, were key factors for desired results.

"Government Public Relations Officers must adopt a robust use of social media platforms as trends have changed and the overall dependence on conventional media may not be ideal now and future generations", he said.

Another resource person, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Dele Odunlami, who spoke on, "Data- Driven Journalism and Public Governance", tasked information managers to embrace data-driven reporting, with a view to further simplify reportage of government policies and programmes for increased understanding of the people.

He explained that data journalism is a fact and figure-based information management that uses statistics to enhance believability and serves as reference point for policy-making.

Speaking on behalf of other participants at the training, the duo of Mr. Olanrewaju Daud of Ogun State Local Government Civil Service Commission and an Information Officer, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Onafowope, appreciated the organisers of the programme, saying the training had broaden their knowledge on projecting the image of the state government, as well as acquiring knowledge of the new trends in information dissemination.