Designing a Communication Training Programme for Local Government Public Affairs Officers in Kogi State

Local government public affairs officers in Nigeria serve as the primary communication interface between government and citizens at the grassroots level, yet their professional training in strategic communication, media relations, and digital tools is often inadequate. This study designed a practical communication training programme for public affairs officers in Kogi State local government areas. A programme design methodology was employed, beginning with a training needs assessment survey of 40 public affairs officers across ten LGAs in Kogi State covering communication knowledge, skill, and attitude dimensions. Results identified the five most critical training gaps: digital social media management (cited as a gap by 87.5 percent), media relations skills (75.0 percent), crisis communication procedures (72.5 percent), community feedback management (67.5 percent), and report writing (65.0 percent). Existing training content from National Orientation Agency programmes, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies short courses, and international local government communication training materials was reviewed for adaptation. The designed training programme comprises eight modules delivered over four days, covering digital communication tools, media relations, community engagement communication, crisis communication, and performance reporting. A simplified version for grassroots community development officers is included. Expert review by ten communication training specialists and two local government administration experts confirmed the programme's practical relevance. The study recommends the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission adopt the programme as a mandatory induction element for new public affairs officer appointments.

Keywords: communication training, local government, public affairs officers, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria