The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has charged the staff of the Commission’s Corporate Affairs Department to be creative and enhance their skills to ensure that the Commission continues to make a difference.

Speaking while declaring open a three-day Capacity-Building Workshop for the NDDC Corporate Affairs Department in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the importance of training and re-training in any organisation, noting that a periodic update of knowledge was necessary to enhance the service delivery of the Commission.

Ogbuku described the theme of the retreat, “Corporate Communication Strategy: Everyone’s Business,” as apt. He urged staff to approach their duties with renewed commitment and creativity. He emphasised that effective communication was a collective responsibility and urged staff not to limit their efforts to routine tasks. “Don’t do things just because the government is paying you. Yes, you’re being paid, but do it with passion,” he urged. “Use every opportunity to express your ingenuity. If you hide it, nobody will see it. Only those who show up and give their best get noticed.”

Ogbuku emphasised the critical role of corporate communication as a strategic tool in public service and encouraged participants to always present themselves with confidence and professionalism. "Regardless of who you are meeting, always smile," he added. He stated: “The NDDC is making a difference, and to help us achieve our mandate, we must work together as a team. This workshop will help us to build staff capacity and team bonding. Staff of the Headquarters and all state offices are here. It will expose our strength in the need to work together to achieve our common goal of making a difference.”

He declared: “The Corporate Affairs Department is key to the success of the NDDC as the image maker of the Commission and its brand manager.”

The NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, commended the Managing Director for making the retreat possible. She noted that the retreat was designed to sharpen the skills of communications staff, enabling them to present the Commission’s vision more effectively and engage stakeholders more effectively

In her presentation, entitled “Effective Communication Strategy”, the lead facilitator, Mrs Eugenia Abu, emphasised the different types of communication. She noted: “The language to communicate with a stakeholder is different. You must be mindful that your stakeholders are looking for gaps. Corporate communication demands that you are courteous, careful, and coordinated.”

• PHOTO: NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (3rd left), welcomes the Lead facilitator, Mrs. Eugenia Abu (3rd right), during a three-day capacity building workshop for the NDDC Corporate Affairs department in Port Harcourt. From left are the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, followed by a resource person, Mr. Cyril Stober. Others from the right are Mrs. Christie Adejoh (2nd right), and Dr Akin Oke.