𝐆𝐨𝐯. 𝐎𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐛𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨'𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
𝐆𝐨𝐯. 𝐎𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐛𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨'𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
— Chief Oduma Advises
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
Chairman of Edo City Transport Services, ECTS, High Chief Robert Okoinemen, popularly known as Oduma of the Universe, has called for a more proactive and coordinated media strategy for Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration, warning that the governor's achievements risk being overshadowed by misinformation and poorly managed public communication.
Speaking with Winning Media Online, Okoinemen said while Governor Okpebholo is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State, political opponents and critics are relentlessly working to undermine the administration's image, making it imperative for the governor's media team to stay ahead of emerging narratives.
According to him, "As Governor Okpebholo is working to fix Edo State, there are several enemies and adversaries everywhere working assiduously to discredit him. But his social media handlers are only reacting, rather than being proactive, and many of them don't even know the limit of their purview."
He stressed that government communication should be deliberate, coordinated and handled by officials with clearly defined responsibilities to avoid sending conflicting signals to the public.
Hon. Okoinemen particularly condemned the controversy surrounding a statement credited to one of the governor's aides suggesting that the Edo State Government had banned popular Nigerian music star Davido from performing in the state.
"The aide spoke like he was an authority speaking on behalf of the state government, but the damage had already been done. Such information, if at all, should have come from the Edo State Commissioner for Information, not from him," he said.
The ECTS Chairman argued that in today's digital era, a single unguarded statement can quickly become a major public relations crisis, underscoring the need for discipline and professionalism among government media aides.
He further maintained that appointments into media-related positions, is a crucial one, as such, should be based on competence rather than sentiment.
"Media handlers should be people of proven experience, expertise and exposure for the job. They are the image makers, and if any of them should misfire, it can have a long-lasting effect," he noted.
Okoinemen expressed concern that what he described as sustained attacks and false allegations against Governor Okpebholo's administration and some key government officials, have gained traction largely because government communicators have failed to effectively shape public discourse.
He observed that rather than waiting to respond after issues have gone viral, the administration's media machinery should consistently project government policies, achievements and timely clarifications before misinformation takes root.
According to him, a well-coordinated communication structure would not only protect the image of the government but also strengthen public confidence in the administration's policies and programmes.
He urged the governor's media team to adopt a more strategic approach by anticipating emerging issues, speaking with one voice and ensuring that official information is released through appropriate channels.
"I am not entirely condemning criticisms, but such must not be unfounded and baseless. The governor is doing the work. The people also need to hear the work through credible and coordinated professionals. Akpakomiza is working, the people of Edo State know it, and Nigerians at large, also need to know." He concluded.
His remarks come amid growing conversations about the recent sacking of one of his social media handlers that claimed Singer Davido has been banned from coming to perform in Edo state.
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