Members of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, have been charged to be in the forefront of positively projecting the image of Nigeria for national development.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the advice at the opening of the 2025 Nigeria Public Relations Week organised by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with the theme: “Harnessing Public Relations for Nigerian Economic Relations.”
The Nigeria Public Relations Week is an initiative of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, designed to elevate the practice of public relations as a driver of Nigeria’s socio-economic and reputational growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, a fellow of the Institute, charged public relations practitioners to galvanize other stakeholders to project a positive image of Nigeria and improve on the perception of Nigerians and non Nigerians about the country.
The minister also called on the Institute and other stakeholders to continue to support the various reforms by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“I urge public relations professionals to key into ongoing efforts and reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to rebrand the nation’s reputation and attract investors into the country.”
President of NIPR, Doctor Ike Neliaku, blamed most problems encountered by leaders in the country on lack of proper communication. He said the program is designed to bring together professionals, policymakers and stakeholders to explore the critical role communication plays in driving sustainable development.
According to him, “Lack of effective communication is a major problem of leadership in Nigeria. We can build a prosperous Nigeria, together, if we work collaboratively.”
He also used the occasion to announce that Nigeria will host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which is expected to bring together public relations practitioners from around the world to Nigeria.
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, urged public relations practitioners and the media to use their platforms to market the country to attract investors to the economy.
“I believe public relations practitioners can work collaboratively with the larger media to market our nation,” she said.
Earlier in a goodwill message, Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Doctor Muhammed Bulama, pledged Radio Nigeria ‘s continued support to the NIPR.
High points of the event included posthumous awards to three distinguished Nigerians, including the late Chairman of Local Organising Committee of the event, Dr. Uduak Obot, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s reputation.
The Body of Advisors of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group was also inaugurated, with Dr. John Momoh as Chairman, Muhammed Kudu Abubakar as Secretary, and Bashiru Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs as Vice Chairman.
Also at the event, Mr John Momoh was installed as the Chairman, Nigeria Reputation Management Group with Dr Muhammed Gudu Abubakar as Secretary while the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi is to serve as the vice chairman of the group.
