…Southern Delta University DVC, Prof Presley Obukadata appointed as Chief Trainer.
The Delta State Government will, from August 18 to 20, 2026, host the 7th Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2026), a flagship capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the professional competence of government communicators and media stakeholders in line with global best practices in strategic communication.
The three-day workshop, scheduled to hold at Hotel Benizia, Asaba, is expected to attract about 150 participants, including political appointees, government spokespersons, public relations and information officers, media partners, social media influencers and bloggers.
Announcing the workshop in Asaba, the State Coordinator of DELCOM 2026 and Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr (Barr.) Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said this year’s edition, themed “Strategic Communication in a Digital Era: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance,” is designed to equip participants with contemporary communication skills required to effectively engage citizens, promote public trust and strengthen democratic governance in an increasingly digital information environment.
He explained that the workshop would provide participants with practical knowledge in strategic communication, media relations, digital communication, information integrity, crisis communication, reputation management, executive communication and the ethical use of emerging communication technologies.
According to Dr Oghenesivbe, the rapid evolution of digital media and information technology has fundamentally transformed the communication landscape, making continuous professional development imperative for government communicators and media professionals.
“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.”
The Director-General disclosed that the workshop would be led by Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, as Chief Trainer.
Professor Obukoadata, a distinguished scholar, author and communications expert, is widely acknowledged for his contributions to Brand Management, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, and will be supported by Professor Joyce Ogwezi of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, alongside other accomplished academics, communication strategists and seasoned media professionals.
Dr Oghenesivbe said participants would benefit from intensive sessions covering strategic government communication, media engagement, digital communication strategies, countering misinformation and disinformation, crisis communication, public trust, leadership communication and integrated communication planning.
He noted that the workshop is expected to strengthen collaboration among communication professionals, improve the quality of government information management and promote a more coordinated and professional communication ecosystem across ministries, departments and agencies, while also deepening partnerships with media organisations and digital content creators.
The DELCOM 2026 State Coordinator expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for approving the workshop and providing the necessary funding for its successful implementation.
He described the Governor’s support as another demonstration of his administration’s unwavering commitment to human capital development and institutional capacity building.
According to him, the workshop is fully aligned with the Governor’s MORE Agenda, particularly its emphasis on continuous capacity development, improved public service delivery and investment in human capital.
“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 the State Government’s media and communication team, government spokespersons, media partners, social media influencers and bloggers.
“The knowledge and skills to be acquired during the workshop will undoubtedly enhance strategic communication, strengthen public trust and contribute to more effective engagement between government and the people.”
Dr Oghenesivbe urged all invited participants to take full advantage of the workshop by actively participating in the technical sessions, practical exercises and peer-learning engagements, noting that the programme had been carefully designed to address contemporary communication challenges and prepare participants to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving media environment.
He expressed confidence that the workshop would further consolidate Delta State’s reputation as a leading sub-national government in strategic public communication, institutional capacity development and effective citizen engagement.
