The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully organized a series of training sessions aimed at enhancing the writing and communication skills of its Public Enlightenment and Education Officers.
These trainings, conducted in various regions of Nigeria, underscore the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its communication strategies and reinforcing its anti-corruption mandate.
A one-day intensive training was held at the ICPC Oyo State Office, Ibadan, for officers from the Enlightenment and Education Department. The training aimed to equip participants with advanced skills in news reporting and presentation.
Barrister Lucky O. Erewa, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for the Oyo State office, welcomed the attendees warmly and highlighted the importance of the training. “Your role as Public Enlightenment and Education Officers is critical to our mission. This training is designed to enhance your professionalism, which will significantly bolster the Commission’s efforts in combating corruption,” he emphasized.
Dr. Shina Babasola, Deputy Director of the Commission, delivered an engaging presentation on effective news reporting. He described news as “a woman’s skirt—long enough to cover the subject matter but short enough to attract attention.” He encouraged officers to adopt this principle in crafting stories that are both engaging and informative. Babasola further underscored the importance of adhering to ethical standards, accuracy, and impartiality in journalism, warning against sensationalism and the dissemination of unverified information.
The training also emphasized familiarity with media laws such as the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and the Nigeria Press Council Act. According to Dr. Babasola, these legal frameworks empower officers to legally access and responsibly share information. “You are not just telling stories; you are shaping perceptions and influencing societal attitudes toward corruption,” he said.
Assistant Director Mrs. Adenike Adeshina facilitated a session titled ‘Effective Presentation Skills to Enhance Stakeholder Engagement’. She emphasized the importance of crafting tailored messages for diverse audiences, ranging from government officials to grassroots communities. Adeshina also highlighted the value of non-verbal communication, advising participants to monitor body language and engagement cues during presentations.
Practical exercises during the training allowed officers to practice news writing and presentation techniques using real-life scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and application.
In a related development, the Enugu State office of the ICPC also hosted a training session for its Public Enlightenment and Education Officers. Mr Ebhotemen Kennedy, in his opening remarks, said the training will enhance officers’ skills in projecting the Commission’s work effectively. Also, Mr. Eze Nwafor Anselm, in a presentation on ‘Effective Presentation Skills’, highlighted key steps for impactful communication, including defining clear objectives, understanding the audience, and maintaining a coherent structure.
Another session, led by Mrs. Chinwe Agbeocha, Assistant Director and Head of the Public Enlightenment and Education Department in Imo State, focused on News Reporting and Feature Writing. Agbeocha emphasized that news must be timely, accurate, and relevant, with local and regional significance.
In the North-West region, the training was flagged off by Mallam Hassan Salihu, Deputy Director of the Public Enlightenment and Education Department. Mallam Salihu stressed the importance of continuous skill development, aligning with global best practices. “We have a mandate to fulfill, and up-scaling the skills of our staff ensures they are equipped to meet the demands of their roles effectively,” he stated.
The second phase of the North-West training, delivered by Mr. John Odey, Assistant Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, focused on public speaking and mobilization. Odey explained that these skills are essential for effectively engaging with the public and promoting the Commission’s anti-corruption initiatives.
Chief Superintendent Winifried Ingobro, an officer from Osun State, described the training as “timely and enlightening.” She noted that the skills gained would enhance her writing abilities and strengthen the ICPC’s communication strategies.
The ICPC’s Enlightenment and Education Department plays a vital role in educating the public on corruption-related issues and fostering behavioural change. These training programs, conducted across multiple regions, reflect the Commission’s broader strategy to enhance its staff’s capacity to communicate effectively with the public and the media.
Participants left the training sessions equipped with advanced skills in writing, reporting, and presentation, ready to amplify the ICPC’s anti-corruption message and strengthen public trust in the Commission’s efforts. Through continuous training and development, the ICPC reaffirms its dedication to professionalism, transparency, and excellence in combating corruption.