Members of Rotary International District 9111 have been asked to showcase their activities to enable the public to be aware of them.
Speakers, who included the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Strategy, Mr. Gebenga Omotoso; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State governor,Mr Kayode Akinmade; Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Kayode Ogundipe; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter, Samuel Ayetutu; and Chief Executive Officer, Ritemate Technology Limited, Jide Ogunleye, gave the advice at a seminar held by the district for its public image officers in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The event had as its theme, ‘’Strengthening Rotary’s credibility and visibility through strategic communication’’.
Omotoso, a keynote speaker, who cautioned Rotarians against telling their stories to ‘’the general public, said it is better to be specific as the public remains so. He continued: “There is no more general public anyway. Every public has its own character. Every public has its own assets. Every public has its own values that it’s sharing. So, if you want to communicate with anybody at all, try to go directly. If you are talking to a group of drivers, address them as a group of professionals who are drivers or talking to doctors, talking to the engineers, forget about the idea of saying general public. So, as Rotarians, you are part of a global community that brings people together to make a difference. And your work is built on unity, trust, intelligence and a commitment to serving others. But in today’s fast-paced media-driven world, today’s tech world, it’s not enough just for you to do good. You need to share your stories. You need to communicate inspiring actions.
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“Strategic communication is the attribute of your mission for setting life into our vision of a world where people unite to make a difference. By sharing your stories, you write your achievements and showcase the impact of your work. You can amplify it for every relationship which is communication, and is responsible for our actions and services.
“It’s about listening, engaging, and building long-lasting relationships. It’s about being authentic, being transparent, being original and accountable. It’s about standing up to believe that it is what is right all the time. It’s about putting in maximum effort for a better world through peace and unity. It’s about visiting and using our collective power to drive for positive change what impacts society and the world.’’
Akinmade, who was represented by Mrs Abolanle Ogunlami, submitted that strategic communication would enhance programmes and projects of Rotarians. He however said there were challenges to be tackled. He listed these as limited resources, changing landscape, and impact measurement, among others.
He proffered partnerships, surveys, utilisation of good media as solutions to the problems.
Ogundipe said public image is key to Rotary and even the government. He canvassed positive image making, saying it is good for Rotary.
Ogundipe, who is the President, Rotary Club of Ewutuntun, added: The theme is apt and timely, reiterating that good image is important.
Ayetutu spoke on the proper use of Rotray’s logo in their communication. He presented pictures of where the logo was wrongly used in the past. He also demonstrated where the logo could be got and deployed for effectiveness.
Ogunleye urged Rotarians to use social media to communicate their activities to the global audience. He also said personal handlers are equally good. However, he warned against breaking the rules as such could attract legal sanctions.
The District Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, said the objective of the training was to hone the skills of the Public Image chairs to make them effective and efficient. He canvassed a strong public image as vital to attract new members, make impact and build relationships.Thus he advised the good use of public relations strategies for the promotion of Rotary’s activities. “How we present ourselves to the public is good. It opens new doors to partnerships,’ he said.
