The Ogun State government has again assured that it will continue to engage, inform and carry along all relevant stakeholders particularly, the electorate in all its activities meant to rebuild the State.
The Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun gave the assurance in his remark at the 35th public lecture of the Covenant University, Ota.
Governor Amosun, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa stated that his administration realized the importance of communication in building positive relationships between government and the governed; saying that this is why he was always on the road to meet with people and explain rationale behind every action of government.
Governor Amosun observed that globally, development particularly, relating to the ambitious type of urban renewal programme his government was embarking upon across the State, called for sacrifice from the people who may have to surrender some of their properties in the process, but assured that government would continue to be responsible and responsive to their yearnings.
“What we do, is that we engage our stakeholders very actively, before, during and after this demolition that you are talking about. You would notice that our team has always engaged the stakeholders in sensitizing the people. Secondly, Mr. Governor himself goes round to meet the people and explain to them the reason behind the demolition exercise, and this has helped us a great deal because we have gained the trust and confidence of the people of Ogun State”, he explained.
He lamented that before now, there had been a disconnect between government and the governed largely because of lack of trust which could have been earned if there was communication between the two, saying that today in Ogun State, people have bought into policies of government, having realized its sincerity and that the pains of now are the foundation for the gains of tomorrow.
Delivering the public lecture with the theme “Communication, Politicians and True Democracy” earlier, the Dean of Mass Communication Department, Prof. Idowu Shobowale underscored the importance of communication in all human endeavours and charged political office holders in the country to ensure effective communication between them and the people whose mandate they are holding in trust.
He noted that the myriads of problems facing the Nigerian nation which he said had cascaded through different phases of experiences were rooted in the lack of communication between government and the people.
Prof. Shobowale noted that because of their nature, followers more often than not resent changes introduced by the leaders particularly those that tend to inflict hardship on them, but added that if properly sensitised through communication, they would give needed support and cooperation.
The University lecturer observed that in Ogun State, government had embarked on massive demolition of structures to give way for its urban renewal programme, but said rather than showing resentment, the people had given support and accepted the changes.
He tasked other political office holders in the country to find out the magic wand of the State Government and replicate same in their respective domains.
“The present Ogun State Government has demolished more houses than any other State in the country in its bid to restructure the State, yet the people are not feeling bad about this action, there must be something that the State Government is doing right and this is worthy of emulation”, he stated.
Via: Ogun State Government - Official Press Release