*Be courteous, professional in state functions, Funkekeme Solomon charges Protocol Officers* ~ Truth Reporters

Delta State Government Protocol officers have been charged to be courteous, professional and employ emotional intelligence while conducting state functions. 

The Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, gave the charge while interacting with Protocol Officers in the relaunch of the SERVICOM initiative, a message that he has been taking to Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

Solomon who oversees the Office of Labour Relations and SERVICOM noted that state functions entail a combination of time management, courtesy to guests and employing emotional intelligence in handling the different people with different orientations.

"In state functions, numerous categories of people are in attendance, some with large egos demanding special treatment and recognition. Of course, there are genuine VIPs among them. While attending to each category, protocol officers should be sensitive to their emotions, but remain firm and professional", he said.

An important feature of state functions, according to him, is time management. "State functions are serious business that should be brisk, business-like and devoid of distractions. It is not a forum for comedy or use of language that may pry into private lives of individuals. Even when such jokes are well intentioned, the fact that people of diverse cultures and orientation are there make the use of comedy delicate and capable of hurting individuals.

"Of course, comedy and light jokes are desirable but should reserved for non-formal occasions", he said.

Solomon urged career civil servants and political appointees in the department to synergise their activities, avoid internal rivalry and be driven by the need to do what is in the best interest of their collective principal, the Governor of Delta State. 

Since the relaunch of SERVICOM began about a month again, over 60 MDAs have been visited by Solomon and his team. Places where SERVICOM have been relaunched include the Governor's and Deputy Governor's offices. Others are the  Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service,  Delta State University, Abraka and some local government areas.