Msigwa demands Information Officers focus on livelihoods

DODOMA: Government information officers have been urged to move beyond reporting leaders’ activities and focus more on information that helps citizens access economic opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, made the call in Dodoma during a meeting with newly employed staff at the ministry.

Msigwa said information officers have a responsibility to identify and publicise opportunities available in their respective areas, including investment, employment, business, agriculture, tourism and programmes designed to
economically empower citizens.

He said the role of an information officer should not be limited to writing stories praising leaders, but should also involve identifying and highlighting issues that directly benefit society.

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According to Msigwa, timely and accurate information about available opportunities can enable citizens to take advantage of them, improve their livelihoods and increase their incomes.

He also urged information officers to make greater use of digital platforms and social media to disseminate information and reach wider audiences. Msigwa said rapid technological changes had expanded the responsibilities of information officers, requiring them to be more innovative in developing content
that educates, motivates and connects citizens with opportunities available in the country.

He challenged the new officers to view public information as a tool for practical empowerment, ensuring their work not only informs citizens about government activities but also helps them identify opportunities capable of improving their economic wellbeing.