19/08/2026
NOA ABIA STATE HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE TRAINING IN PUBLIC SERVICE.
REPORT ON “WORK ETHICS 1.0”
Theme: Promoting Professionalism, Integrity and Productivity in Public Service
1.0 Introduction
The Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA) organized a capacity-building programme titled “Work Ethics 1.0”, with the theme “Promoting Professionalism, Integrity and Productivity in Public Service.” The programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of Public Relations Officers (PROs) and Information Officers (IOs) in the Abia State Public Service, while reinforcing the principles of professionalism, integrity, accountability, productivity and effective communication.
The programme provided an important platform for participants to reflect on their responsibilities as public servants and communicators, acquire contemporary knowledge and skills, and examine practical ways of improving information dissemination and public engagement. Particular attention was given to the effective use of new media, artificial intelligence (AI), timely reporting, combating misinformation and hate speech, continuous professional development, and the need for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The event brought together relevant stakeholders and senior government officials who shared their experiences, expectations and professional insights with participants.
2.0 Address by the Director-General, Abia State Orientation Agency
The Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Lady Ure Abazie, emphasized the importance of cultivating strong and positive work ethics among civil servants, particularly Public Relations Officers and Information Officers whose responsibilities place them at the forefront of government communication and public engagement.
She noted that the quality of information disseminated by government institutions has a significant impact on public perception, trust and confidence in government. She therefore encouraged PROs and IOs to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, diligence, responsibility and commitment in the discharge of their duties.
The Director-General commended the performance of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, and urged the participants to emulate the administration’s commitment to service delivery by improving their own professional performance. She stressed that government communicators must be proactive, accurate, timely and responsive in communicating government policies, programmes and achievements to the public.
She further encouraged participants to regard their roles not merely as routine assignments but as strategic responsibilities that contribute to the overall success of government.
3.0 Remarks by the Honourable Commissioner for Information
The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Abia State, Prince Okey Kanu, challenged Public Relations Officers and Information Officers to distinguish themselves through timely, accurate and effective information dissemination.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that members of the public receive relevant government information promptly and in a manner that is clear, accessible and understandable. He urged participants to take personal development seriously, noting that continuous learning and professional improvement are essential for anyone who intends to excel in the field of public communication.
The Commissioner encouraged the participants to keep pace with emerging communication trends and technologies and to develop the capacity to effectively communicate the policies and programmes of government in a rapidly changing information environment.
4.0 Remarks by the Head of Service
The Head of Service, who was represented by Mrs. May, reiterated the importance of productivity and efficiency in the public service.
She stressed that civil servants must continuously evaluate their performance and identify areas requiring improvement. According to her, productivity should not be measured solely by the volume of work completed but also by the quality, timeliness, relevance and impact of the services rendered.
She therefore encouraged participants to cultivate a culture of continuous self-assessment, responsibility and commitment to duty, noting that improved individual performance would ultimately contribute to a more effective and result-oriented public service.
5.0 Presentation by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade SOB Igwe, highlighted the growing importance of new media tools in modern government communication.
He explained that digital platforms provide PROs and IOs with opportunities to prepare, disseminate and present information more rapidly and efficiently. He encouraged participants to acquire the necessary digital skills to enable them to produce timely, accurate and engaging reports and presentations.
He also addressed the challenges posed by fake news, misinformation, disinformation and hate speech. He emphasized the need for government communicators to verify information before publication and to respond strategically and responsibly to false or misleading narratives.
He urged participants to use new media platforms professionally and ethically, emphasizing that the speed and reach of digital communication must always be matched by accuracy, responsibility and sound judgment.
6.0 Remarks by the Chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission
The Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, who was represented by Hon. Commissioner I, Mrs. Chioma Orikara, stressed the importance of commitment, dedication and professionalism in the public service.
She encouraged PROs and IOs to take their responsibilities seriously and demonstrate measurable improvements in their various offices. She noted that commitment to duty and excellence could open up opportunities for career progression and greater responsibilities within the service.
She further encouraged the participants to raise the standard of their work and expressed optimism that increased professional performance could produce more Information Officers capable of attaining senior positions, including the position of Permanent Secretary.
7.0 Remarks by the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Abia State
The State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Abia State, Mr. Chidi Unobagha, commended the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency for organizing what he described as a laudable and timely programme.
He observed that the rapidly changing communication environment made continuous training and retraining indispensable for Public Relations Officers and Information Officers. According to him, regular capacity-building programmes would equip public servants with the knowledge, skills and professional competence required to effectively perform their responsibilities.
Mr. Unobagha urged the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency to consider involving NOA Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) in subsequent editions of the training programme. He noted that greater collaboration between the two agencies would enhance knowledge-sharing, strengthen institutional cooperation and improve the effectiveness of their respective mandates.
He encouraged the participants to rise to the occasion and maximize their professional responsibilities, particularly at a time when the current administration is implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of citizens across different sectors.
He further drew attention to the relationship between the objectives of the programme and the National Values Charter, particularly in the areas of discipline, leadership, accountability and resilience. He noted that these values, as championed by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, remain essential to building a responsible, productive and citizen-focused public service.
8.0 Keynote Presentation
The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Mark Igwebuike, delivered an extensive presentation on the effective use of new media and emerging technologies in modern information management and reporting.
He highlighted the transformative role of digital communication platforms in public-sector information dissemination and encouraged participants to leverage available technologies to improve the quality and timeliness of their work.
A significant aspect of his presentation focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support effective reporting, research, content development and presentation. He explained that when properly used, AI can assist communicators in producing concise, well-structured and timely reports while improving efficiency and productivity.
However, he emphasized the importance of professional judgment, accuracy, verification and ethical considerations when using AI-generated content. He encouraged participants to see AI as a productivity-enhancing tool rather than a substitute for professional responsibility and human judgment.
9.0 Remarks by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, called for closer monitoring, stronger inter-ministerial collaboration and continuous assessment of activities to ensure that government communication objectives are achieved.
He stressed the need for effective coordination among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, noting that collaboration would help reduce information gaps and improve the consistency and effectiveness of government communication.
He further encouraged participants to continuously assess their strategies, identify areas of weakness and make necessary improvements to ensure that the information function of government remains responsive to the needs of the citizens.
10.0 Key Issues and Lessons from the Programme
The programme highlighted several important issues relevant to the effectiveness of the public service, including:
1. Professionalism: Public servants, especially PROs and IOs, must maintain high professional standards in the discharge of their duties.
2. Integrity and Accuracy: Government information must be factual, properly verified and responsibly communicated to the public.
3. Productivity: Participants were encouraged to adopt result-oriented approaches and continuously assess their performance.
4. Continuous Professional Development: Regular training and retraining are necessary to keep pace with developments in communication, technology and public-sector administration.
5. New Media Competence: Public communicators must develop the skills required to effectively use digital and social media platforms for public information and engagement.
6. Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence: AI tools can significantly improve efficiency, reporting and content development when used responsibly and with appropriate human oversight.
7. Combating Fake News and Hate Speech: PROs and IOs must be proactive in identifying, verifying and responding to misinformation, disinformation and harmful content.
8. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Stronger collaboration among government institutions and agencies will improve information coordination and public communication.
9. Accountability and Self-Assessment: Public servants should regularly evaluate their performance and take responsibility for improving their effectiveness.
10. National Values: Discipline, leadership, accountability, resilience and other positive values are essential to building a responsive and citizen-centred public service.
11.0 Conclusion
The “Work Ethics 1.0” programme was a significant capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening professionalism, integrity and productivity within the Abia State Public Service. Through the contributions of senior government officials, communication experts and other stakeholders, participants were exposed to practical knowledge and contemporary approaches to public-sector communication and service delivery.
Overall, Work Ethics 1.0 provided a valuable platform for reflection, learning and professional renewal. It is recommended that similar programmes be organized periodically, with broader participation from relevant government institutions, to sustain the momentum and translate the knowledge acquired into improved performance and productivity across the public service.
The programme ultimately reaffirmed the principle that a professional, ethical, accountable and productive workforce is indispensable to effective governance and sustainable development in Abia State.