ALGIO Workshop in Abuja Charts New Path for Stronger Synergy Between Information Officers and Media Aides

By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters

The National Professional Capacity Building Workshop of the Association of Local Government Information Officers (ALGIO) has ended in Abuja with a strong call for strengthened collaboration between Information Officers and Media Aides across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

Held from December 2nd to 5th, 2025 in Utako, Abuja, the intensive workshop was organised by the ALGIO National Body under the leadership of its Chairman, Comrade Jibril Bissalla, ANIPR, MTI, and facilitated by ITEC Consultancy Services led by Mallam Abdulwakeel Ademola Abdulwahab. The programme focused on enhancing professional skills, improving communication channels, and building harmony between key actors responsible for projecting Local Government activities.

Throughout the sessions, facilitators according to a press statement e-signed by Innocent Igelle, the Private Principal Secretary to Ado Council Chairmen, Hon.Engr. Sunny Oche drilled participants on the distinct yet mutually reinforcing roles of Information Officers and Media Aides. The workshop emphasised a collaborative “push-and-pull” communication model—where Media Aides operate as frontline agents gathering real-time updates, while Information Officers refine, package, and align such content with Local Government vision and policy direction.

Participants agreed that bridging existing gaps between the two offices is critical for effective grassroots governance. The workshop offered practical tools for conflict resolution, coordination, and workflow efficiency, leading to what many attendees described as a “renewed spirit of partnership.”

The Benue State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) was specially commended for ensuring full participation of its officers. According to organisers, the active presence of Benue delegates helped resolve long-standing communication frictions as they engaged constructively in interactive sessions that yielded new strategies for teamwork and improved performance.

Special recognition was also given to the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche, whose support enabled the participation of his Principal Private Secretary (PPS). His leadership, the release noted, continues to foster unity, teamwork, and professional development within Ado LGA’s communication structure. The PPS further dedicated the certificate earned from the workshop to Engr. Oche in appreciation of his mentorship and goodwill.

Acknowledgment was extended to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whose commitment to a “progressive, competitive, and well-equipped Benue” continues to positively influence capacity-building initiatives. Benue’s strong representation and contributions at the Abuja workshop were widely seen as a reflection of the Governor’s inclusive and development-driven governance style.

The workshop ended on a symbolic note with participants describing the Information Officer as the “groom” and the Media Aide as the “bride”a metaphor underscoring the reinforced partnership expected to elevate communication standards and strengthen governance at the grassroots.