The Mass Communication Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has kicked off a yearly lecture series for both the regular and part-time students of the department.

The maiden lecture, which lasted for about four hours, took place recently at the Professor Chinyere Okunna Auditorium, with other departmental heads and Deans in attendance.

Speaking on the topic ‘Grasping the Essence of Communication and Diplomacy’, the guest speaker, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, said that communication, which can be verbal or written, remains the only vital tool of diplomacy and public policy making.

“Communication is all about form and exactitude insofar as communication serves a singular purpose – overcoming conflict. Hence, effective communication is the key to skillfully achieving one’s set objectives, be they the means or the end,” he said.

Obaze stressed the need for educators and students in communication to reassess and retool their longstanding disposition of considering communication as a tool for the pacific settlement of disputes.

He observed that though the advent of the internet has made communication easier, students should be wary of what they say, the body language they showcase and postings on the internet as, according to him, certain postings even when deleted can mar one’s future chances in the job market.

In his words, “You have to watch what you say, your dressing and your body language; these tell a lot about you and also determine your chances in the job market. What you post on the internet defines your personality; like pictures of you drinking in the bar on Facebook. Such things even when deleted will later hunt you. You may have deleted it after a while and think it is gone but it remains in your data.”

Obaze advised the students to avoid using short words during communication, especially while sending text messages, adding that constant use of short words will end up impeding one’s easy flow of vocabularies, especially in exams.

He further enjoined them to always adhere to the principle of communication doctrine “KISS” which means “Keep it straight and simple.”

The SSG said: “Be wary of what you say because words are powerful. You are the master of what you say and the way you communicate. There are standards that are accepted.”

Fielding questions from journalists, the brain behind the lecture series and Head of Department, Mass Communication, Dr. Ifeoma Dunu, expressed delight at the success of the programme, saying that it was a dream come true.

She said that the large turn-out of students to the lecture was an indication of the acceptance of the programme.

According to her, “The programme is designed to empower students where experience meets theory so as to prepare them well to face the real world.”

On her part, the former Chief of Staff during ex-Governor Peter Obi’s regime, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, said the SSG was invited for the first lecture series because he was well versed in the topic of the lecture and also worth his onion.

She urged the students to always grace such lectures in other to improve their knowledge from the classrooms and more so implement it.

•Photo shows Oseloka Obaze.