Overseer of the National Youths Service Corps NYSC, Mrs Christy Uba has called on the Scheme Public Relations Officers to step-up the monitoring of the social media so as to promptly correct misconceptions as well as fake stories fraudulent peddled by mischievous persons about the Scheme.
Uba who made this appeal at the Press and Public Relations, Protocol and FOIA Officers Workshop held in Abuja on Thursday, said the role of Public Relations Officers in the achievement of NYSC mandate cannot be overemphasized.
According to her, “Over the years, officers in this cadre have undertaken the crucial tasks of projecting the good image of the Scheme, and played facilitating roles in its much-celebrated contributions to national unity and development.
“It is gratifying to note that the PR Officers have continued to earn accolades for the diligent discharge of their duties, including the professional management of our public functions”, she added.
The NYSC Overseer commended the PR Officers for their high sense of commitment and professionalism. “Even as we celebrate your numerous accomplishments, you must not rest on your oars, especially in view of the demanding nature of your schedules”, she said.
Conscious of the need to bring the PR Officers up to speed with evolving trends in corporate image management, Uba said the Management has continued to provide avenues for the upgrade of their knowledge and skills.
She noted that this prompted the inclusion of Protocol and Freedom of Information Act Trainings Workshop to further sharpen their skills in these important areas thereby making the programme an all round one.
Uba also called on participants to use this forum to share experiences and come up with ideas on best practices, while enjoined them, as reputation managers, to step up efforts at sustaining harmonious relationship with their critical stakeholders.
The Overseer reminded the PR Officers of the need to continue to leverage on both the traditional and the new media to ensure effective publicity for the contributions of the Scheme to the socio-economic development of this dear country.
For the continuation of enhancing the visibility of the Scheme in the media space, Uba directed all State Secretariats to acquire high definition cameras and other ancillary equipment to improve the operations of NYSC Radio and Television Stations.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Eddy Megwa noted the Managements unwavering passion and commitment to Staff training, adding that this has enhanced their job performance, therefore, claiming is highly commendable.
On the theme for this years workshop, ENHANCING THE CORPORATE IMAGE OF NYSC: QUINTESSENTIAL ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICERS, Megwa said it was chosen to underscore the importance of well heeled Public Relations Officers in the Schemes corporate image management.
According to him, “This training will enable the participants stay afloat on their duties and ensure that nothing is left to chance in managing the image of NYSC. It will also empower them with up-to-date information management strategies for engagement of the Schemes publics on our policies, programmes and activities.
“The quest for an enriched training, necessitated inclusion of training on protocol and Freedom of Information Act and the selection of seasoned professionals with impeccable backgrounds and knowledge in these critical aspects of corporate image management as our Resource Persons”, he said.
Megwa who recorded that in area of implementation of Freedom of Information Act among MDAs, NYSC is rated among the best nationwide, boasted this on the underscores Managements resolve to constantly hold annual training for FOIA Desk Officers.
He thanked the NYSC Overseer and the Management for the support given to the Scheme PR Officers in discharge of their responsibilities, while recording the Managements commitment to ensuring that the NYSC Radio and Television Stations remain afloat.
The Director Special Duties giving his vote of thanks, appreciated the NYSC Overseer, the top management for granting approval for the workshop and training, saying training for workforce is the surest way of achieving improved efficiency and productivity of staff in any Organisation.
While assuring the management that the participants will reciprocate this gesture by dedicating themselves to work, utilizing the knowledge gained to improve on their schedules. “By so doing, we will ensure that NYSC is taking higher on contemporary pens in Public Relations and Protocol best practices”, he said.
