Government communicators have been urged to strategically deploy digital communication tools to manage crises, combat misinformation and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

The charge was given by the Communication Manager, Government House, Asaba, Mr. Jackson Ekwugum, at the closing ceremony of the seventh Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2026, in Asaba.

Ekwugum said the workshop had exposed participants to contemporary communication skills required to operate successfully in today’s digital environment.

He urged participants to move beyond acquiring knowledge and apply the skills to their daily assignments in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

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The workshop was organised by the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications under the theme, “Digital Communication and Crisis Management: Building Trust and Credibility for Democratic Governance.”

Ekwugum said digital platforms had become essential tools for government communication but warned that communicators must deploy them responsibly.

According to him, social media should not be used merely for publicity but as a strategic platform for informing citizens, addressing concerns, correcting misinformation and facilitating meaningful engagement.

The workshop examined the impact of social media, citizen journalism and artificial intelligence on public discourse.

Participants were reminded that information can reach millions of people within minutes, while false or unverified information can spread equally rapidly.

Speakers therefore stressed the importance of fact-checking, professional ethics and proper verification before publishing information.

Crisis communication also featured prominently during the workshop, with participants told that the quality and speed of an institutional response could determine whether a crisis is contained or escalated.

They were encouraged to establish clear communication protocols, identify authorised spokespersons and strengthen inter-agency coordination.

Ekwugum said effective communication was fundamental to building public trust, noting that citizens expect government institutions to provide accurate, consistent and transparent information.

He commended Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe for coordinating DELCOM for seven consecutive years and described the programme as a major platform for strengthening the capacity of government communicators.

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He also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for supporting human capital development in the state.

The three-day workshop commenced on Tuesday, August 18, and ended on Thursday in Asaba.

Ekwugum urged participants to ensure that the knowledge acquired translates into improved communication practices and stronger engagement with citizens.