Omotoso tasks PAOs on effective communication

… As Information Ministry inaugurates Toastmasters Club

To further enhance the public speaking capabilities of Public Affairs Officers in the Lagos State Civil Service, the Ministry of Information and Strategy has inaugurated its Toastmasters Club as a veritable platform to improve effective communication at a well-attended ceremony themed: “The Power of Words, The Birth of Leaders” held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Hall on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso stated that the Toastmasters Club is a laudable initiative which brings out the creativity in its members, “In other words, if you are shy or short of words, Toastmasters will serve as a platform to help you hone your communication and public speaking skills.

“For those of us in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, people expect us to speak all the time with confidence. I therefore urge you to know how to comport yourselves and speak confidently,” he said.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Lanre Bajulaiye, recalled that he had been invited to join the Toastmasters Club over three decades ago, saying, “I am happy that in my lifetime, while still in service, this inauguration is happening.”

Bajulaiye added that the foundation members of the club in the Ministry of Information and Strategy are in luck and encouraged them to fully participate in the Toastmasters Club activities, be time-conscious, prim and proper, read extensively, and whenever they are called upon to speak, they should always be prepared.

In her opening remarks, Area Director and Club Sponsor, TM Funmi Omotoso, expressed her delight at the birth of the Toastmasters Club in the Ministry and likened it to the joy that comes after the delivery of a new baby after pregnancy.

She thanked the Ministry and Executives of the Club, saying “Becoming a Toastmaster is a lifelong journey that would enable new members to speak better.”

Delivering his closing remarks after the new Charter members were inducted and the executives took the oath of office, the Charter President and Director, Strategy Centre, TM Kayode Oyekanmi said with a great feeling of euphoria, the dedication of the new baby holds great promise of a bright and impactful future.

“It has been a long journey of great expectations since the conception and planting of this little acorn seed, which hopefully, by the grace of the Almighty and the support of our bosses, sponsors, mentors and colleagues, will without a doubt become a giant oak tree that will give shade and refuge to many, particularly Public Affairs Officers in Lagos State,” he emphasised.

Speaking further, Oyekanmi said, “As Charter President and torchbearer for the Ministry of Information Toastmasters, with the support of my team. I would love to assure you that our collective lofty expectations for this club will not be disappointed.”

He equally expressed his profound gratitude to men and ladies, who carried them on their shoulders and gave them wings, with which they are, about to fly. “I say a big thank you to our amiable Commissioner, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, who has been our loudest cheerleader and his delectable First Lady and our Area Director and Sponsor, TM Funmi Omotoso, who continues to lead us on the straight and narrow path.”

He also applauded the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, who showed so much enthusiasm in ensuring the success of the ceremony while saluting the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Mr Olumide Sogunle, a quintessential gentleman, who had the Toastmasters dream, that’s now a reality.

“To our Division Director, sponsors, mentors, and senior Toastmasters, you have all been generous in sharing your experiences, being patient in teaching us, and gently guiding us on the pathway of success. For these and more, I say a big thank you, not forgetting our honoured guests, we are indeed honoured to have you join us. Thank you and may God bless you all, ” the Charter President concluded.

Highlights of the inauguration ceremony included key segments of the Toastmasters meeting, viz: Speaking Off the Cuff, Table Topics and Prepared Speech – all delivered to the admiration of attendees as speakers generously infused the Word of the Day “Euphoria” in their presentations.