By Fred Itua
In a season of trust deficit where residents and citizens are constantly decrying the failure of government to maintain a transparent stance through the regular provision of information on the goings-on in government, the Edo State Government is offering a paradigm shift with the launch of a digital weekly newsletter.
The first point to note is that trust deficit thrives when a government is not open, transparent, or accountable—a situation where government finds it difficult or fails to provide timely updates on its programmes, policies, and engagements.
In such a vacuum, the people are left to speculate. They fill in the gaps with assumptions, unverified information, and rumors. But who do you blame in that scenario? A people hungry for truth or a government reluctant to communicate? The answer is clear.
Anchored on this understanding, it is both strategic and commendable that the Edo State Government—through the Office of the Chief Press Secretary—is launching the Edo State Government House Weekly Newsletter.
This initiative signals a deliberate break from silence and opacity and embraces the principles of openness, accessibility, and digital governance.
With this newsletter, Edo people will no longer be left in the dark about what their government is doing. From weekly policy updates, progress reports on infrastructure and social development, to the Governor’s official engagements and relevant citizen-centered opportunities, the people will now be carried along every step of the way.
This is not just another publication; it is a governance tool and a window into the heart of government activities.
The impact of this cannot be overemphasized. Now, every well-meaning and right-thinking member of society has the opportunity to appraise government efforts based on facts, not hearsay. Residents can query actions backed by evidence, appreciate laudable strides, and follow up on promises with data made available weekly. The age of speculation is giving way to the era of information.
More importantly, the newsletter creates an avenue for feedback. Citizens can now respond to what they read—commend what is good, raise concerns about what could be better, and offer suggestions for the way forward. This two-way communication flow makes the people not just observers but participants in governance. It is a move that strengthens democracy and reinforces the social contract between the government and the governed.
In a digital age where information is king, Edo State is taking the lead in showing that proactive communication is not a luxury—it is a necessity. As other states continue to explore modern means of engaging their people, Edo must not only join the movement but lead the charge. This newsletter represents that intent, and if well-executed, it will become a model for others to emulate.
Edo people now have a tool in their hands. The time for ignorance, assumption, and uninformed criticism is over. The government has opened its door through this weekly publication. It is now up to the people to walk in—read, react, review, and be part of the Edo story.
The Edo State Government House Weekly Newsletter is not just a document. It is a democratic bridge. All well-meaning citizens should embrace it.
ITUA, is the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
He writes from Benin-City.
