TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND DIGITAL DIPLOMACY IN COMMUNICATING PUBLIC POLICY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN ONDO STATE FORESTRY MANAGEMENT SECTOR

The study examined the key themes influencing public policy communication and forestry management in Ondo State, Nigeria. It aimed to explore the role of transformational leadership, digital diplomacy, persuasive messaging, and multi-stakeholder collaborations in shaping engagement within the sector. The research questions focused on understanding the perceptions, experiences, and challenges associated with these themes, as well as their implications for policy implementation. The study is significant as effective communication and stakeholder engagement are crucial for sustainable forestry management practices and the well-being of local communities. By investigating the key factors shaping communication in the sector, the research provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance public policy communication and foster successful collaborations. A qualitative research methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the forestry management sector of Ondo State, Nigeria. The study participants represented diverse demographics, stakeholder groups, and education levels. The findings were analysed using thematic analysis and presented in tabular format. Transformational leadership theory was explored as a framework for understanding the role of leadership in shaping communication and engagement within the sector. The study highlighted the importance of transformational leaders who possessed strong communication skills, trust-building abilities, and the capacity to create shared visions for sustainable forestry management. However, the results of the study revealed that transformational leadership, digital diplomacy, persuasive messaging, and multi-stakeholder collaborations are critical factors influencing public policy communication and forestry management in Ondo State, Nigeria. The recommendations for policy implementation include promoting transformational leadership, facilitating digital diplomacy, tailoring persuasive messaging, supporting multi-stakeholder collaborations, as well as monitoring and evaluating policy implementation efforts.