The need for the management of the image of public office-holders to be handled by professionals has been stressed.

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known, yesterday in Asaba at the public presentation of a book, titled: ‘Modern Guide for Image Makers’ authored by Mrs. Henrietta Oyakhilome and Mr. Awele Ogbogu.

Aniagwu noted that failures associated with the image of public officer holders were as a result of poor capacity in the professional and ethical background of persons entrusted with the responsibility to manage the image of their bosses.

He lamented the present trend in the country where everyone who could string words to make sentences had suddenly turned to image maker, and commended the efforts of authors of the book.

According to him, the book had come to fill some of the deficiencies in many image makers, adding value to those who read for pleasure, leisure and public relations would find the book a good companion and learning aid.

Mr. Aniagwu, who was represented by the Director of Information, Mrs. Theresa Oliko, stated: “There is no doubt that the book will impact positively on every one that is interested in the act of handling and managing the reputation of their employers or principals in a way to create positive and favourable perception of the organization or principal among their publics.”

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman Book Launch Planning Committee, Mr. Chukwudi Abiandu, emphasized that the book will be of help to non-professionals and professionals alike.

Mr. Abiandu encouraged all to get a copy to improve their writing skills.

Also, the state Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, represented by the Director of Orientation, in the State Orientation Bureau, Mrs Stella Macaulay stressed on perception as key to project your principals, adding that as the image maker, it is an obligation that must be fulfilled.

The book reviewer, and the Head of Mass Communication Department, Delta State Polytechnic Ogwasi-Uku, Dr. Stella Egbra, lauded the authors of the book, stating that it was apt and stressed that there is a terrible decadence in the writing and reading culture of students in higher Institutions of learning.

The authors of the book, Mrs. Henrietta Oyakhilome and Mr. Awele Ogbogu, stated that the inspiration to write was drawn from personal experiences and on the job experience in The Pointer newspaper

The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the book by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.