The School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, in collaboration with Synthesis Communications – a Lagos based strategic PR Consultancy Firm, and the Peace and Conflict Resolution Resource Centre (PEACREC) is set to revolutionize PR practices among the military and para-military security PROs, as they plan to host them to a unique public relations (PR) and Media Writing Workshop. The 3-Day Workshop is billed for Wednesday, June 19, through Friday, June 21, 2019, at the University’s Ibeju-Lekki Main Campus.
According to a statement by the organisers, the University has selected some of her best faculty to facilitate this workshop. They will be led by one of Nigeria’s finest in the field of communication, a professor of Language and Communication, Prof. Emevwo Biakolo. Other industry practitioners, with outstanding track records in PR practice, are also aligned to be part of the facilitators; as the workshop is aimed to be both theoretical and practical, with emphasis on the hands-on aspect of the training.
The statement explained that the workshop is targeted at the communications team of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, The Nigerian Civil Defense Corp, The Nigerian Customs Service, The Nigerian Immigration Service, The Department of State Security (DSS), The National Intelligence Agency (NIA), The Nigerian Fire Service, The Nigerian Prisons, The Office of The National Security Adviser (ONSA). Included also are other agencies such as EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, NIMET, FAAN, NIMASA, NAFDAC, SON and many others.
The core objective of the workshop is to equip the Public Relations Officers (PROS) of these agencies with powerful and impact-based knowledge in critical areas of effective and empathetic public communication. To achieve this, the workshop will delve into writing mechanics, advanced writing – press releases, features, documentary writing, speech writing etc. It will also feature the mechanics of storytelling, media literacy, the menace of fake news and how to identify, counter and neutralize them.
Since the Military and para-Military Agencies in Nigeria require good relations with the public to function effectively in serving the citizens, this workshop is more apt than ever. This is against the backdrop of increasing need for the security agencies to build and sustain positive perception for their agencies.
