Hon.Musa Ashoms, Commissioner of information and communication Plateau state

The Publisher and Chief Editor, African Drum magazine, Sir Joseph Adudu, has congratulates Hon.Musa Ashoms over his appointment as the commissioner of information and communication Plateau state by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

A veteran Journalist, Sir Joseph Adudu, who based in Plateau, having gone round the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond practicing journalism, advised Hon. Ashoms as a mouthpiece of government to listen to constructive criticism and run open door policy.

This was contained in a congratulatory message personally signed by Sir Joseph Adudu which issued to newsmen in Jos on Monday.

According to him, "Hon. Musa Ashoms; please, accept my hearty congratulations on your appointment as Commissioner, Ministry for Information and Communication Plateau State. 

"This is one of the most delicate and sensitive ministries, also believed to be the fundamental platform for any reasonable government to tailor its agenda and programmes to the people.

"The main reason for the ministry of information (to the best of my understanding) is to influence government policies. Therefore, its commissioner should be capable of demonstrating one of the underlying purposes of public relations, which is preventing negative information against the government.

"In this regard, you must evolve mechanisms ranging from public enlightenment and persuasive communication to building a mutually beneficial relationship between government and the people.

"DON'T develop the habit of intimidation as a way of achieving your aims otherwise, you would spend most of your time fighting perceived enemies of government and by so doing, end up creating real enemies rather than making friends and the government would suffer for it.

"Consequently, I urge you to apply diplomacy and high level of understanding to enable you engage in timely gathering and communication of information on government policies, programmes and activities towards building an enlightened citizenry and create a feedback mechanism that would be beneficial to both the government and the people.

"You should also develop an observant mind; a gift of application which rejects being diverted by pleasure of frivolous amusement.

"You must be resourceful, a good listener, courteous and objective. Above all, you must be calculative and posses enough self control to resist the longing to speak before you organize your thought.

"I pray that Almighty God grants you all that you need to succeed in this assignment, hoping that it also serves as a springboard to higher responsibility.

"Congratulations once again", he concluded.