Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has called on Protocol officers, Public Relations Officers, Information Officers, and Personal Assistants to prioritize professionalism, excellence, and etiquette in their roles. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack gave the charge during a three-day service-wide protocol training program, which started on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Walson-Jack emphasized the critical role these officers play in ensuring quality service delivery to the public.
“The role of protocol officers, public relations officers, information officers, and personal assistants can not be overstated. You serve as front-line representatives and interface with dignitaries, coordinate events, manage the media, and also ensure effective communication,” she stated. She further highlighted that the training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their duties.
Walson-Jack noted the importance of capacity building and re-training, stating, “The need for capacity building and re-training among these officers was critical to dynamism and changing trends in the world.” She assured participants that the training was designed to align with international best practices and global standards.
Ambassador God knows Igali, a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, also addressed attendees, asserting that protocol is fundamental to good governance.
“Good governance would be impossible without protocol officers who ensure orderliness and decorum in the management of events and activities of their principals,” Igali remarked.
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office in the OHCSF, stressed that every civil servant should embrace the principles of protocol. “Protocol is central to effective service delivery,” she said, urging civil servants to collaborate in making professionalism the hallmark of the Civil Service.
Mr. Ben Okoyen, Chief of Protocol at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted the necessity for protocol officers to adhere to established rules and etiquette. He explained, “Protocol officers work to make things easy for their principals as well as maintain a good image for their organisations.”
The training program reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the skills of its civil servants, ensuring they meet the demands of their roles with professionalism and integrity.
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