Delta State is set to reinforce its leadership in strategic public communication as it hosts the 7th Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2026) from August 18 to 20, 2026, bringing together government communicators, media professionals and digital content creators to deepen democratic governance through effective communication.
The three-day flagship capacity-building programme, billed for Hotel Benizia, Asaba, is expected to attract about 150 participants, including political appointees, government spokespersons, public relations and information officers, media practitioners, social media influencers and bloggers.
Announcing the workshop 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 edition is themed “Strategic Communication in a Digital Era: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance.”
He explained that the workshop is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge communication skills needed to effectively communicate government policies and programmes, strengthen public trust, promote transparency and improve citizen engagement in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment.
According to him, participants will receive practical training in strategic communication, media relations, digital communication, information integrity, crisis communication, reputation management, executive communication and the ethical application of emerging communication technologies.
Dr. Oghenesivbe observed that the digital revolution has transformed the communication landscape, making continuous professional development essential for government communicators and media practitioners.
“Citizens now demand timely, accurate and transparent information delivered across multiple platforms. Government communicators must therefore possess the strategic skills required to effectively communicate policies, programmes and achievements while strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions,” he said.
He added that DELCOM 2026 will provide practical learning, interactive sessions and knowledge sharing facilitated by some of Nigeria’s foremost communication scholars and industry experts.
The Director-General announced that the workshop will be led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, who will serve as Chief Trainer.
Professor Obukoadata, a renowned scholar, author and expert in Brand Management, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, will be supported by Professor Joyce Ogwezi of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, alongside other respected academics, communication strategists and experienced media professionals.
The workshop will feature intensive sessions on strategic government communication, media engagement, digital communication strategies, countering misinformation and disinformation, crisis communication, leadership communication, public trust and integrated communication planning.
Dr. Oghenesivbe noted that the programme will further strengthen collaboration among communication professionals, enhance government information management and promote a more coordinated communication ecosystem across ministries, departments and agencies while deepening partnerships with mainstream media organisations and digital content creators.
He expressed profound appreciation to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for approving and funding DELCOM 2026, describing the Governor’s support as a clear demonstration of his administration’s unwavering commitment to human capital development and institutional capacity building.
According to him, the workshop aligns perfectly with the Governor’s MORE Agenda, particularly its emphasis on continuous capacity development, improved public service delivery and investment in human capital.
“His Excellency has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to building competent institutions and developing the capacity of public servants. DELCOM 2026 is another strategic investment in training government communicators, media partners, spokespersons, social media influencers and bloggers to deliver effective, credible and impactful public communication,” he stated.
Dr. Oghenesivbe urged all invited participants to take full advantage of the workshop by actively engaging in the technical sessions, practical exercises and peer-learning opportunities.
He expressed confidence that DELCOM 2026 would further consolidate Delta State’s reputation as a national leader in strategic public communication, institutional capacity development and effective citizen engagement.
