NPRW: Information Minister Highlights Necessity of PR for National Development
The Information Minister and National Orientation, Mallam Idris Mohammed Malagi, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, have emphasized the indispensable benefits of Public Relations (PR) for national development.
They both spoke at the inaugural Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) organized by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his remarks, the Minister unveiled a five-point agenda to reinvent the practice of PR in the country, aiming to boost Nigeria’s long-term economic recovery. The Minister, represented by Director-General National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Onilu, highlighted the crucial role of PR in both Nigeria’s economic and reputational development. The conference, themed “PR as a Critical Asset to Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance,” emphasized the importance of PR in the current global landscape characterized by rapid technological change and economic challenges.
The Minister outlined a five-point agenda aimed at enhancing the country’s PR and communication strategies. These points included restoring trust by rebuilding confidence in public communication, amplifying government narratives through promoting public policies and inspiring Nigeria’s story, reorienting national values to reflect modern realities, modernizing communication by updating technology and nurturing talent within the government’s communication system, and empowering the media by creating a supportive environment for media growth in Nigeria. The Minister also stressed the need for effective communication in an era where information travels at the speed of light.
With Nigeria facing immense potential and multifaceted challenges, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, security, and anti-corruption efforts. He stated, “President Tinubu’s administration has taken proactive steps to revive the economy, with a focus on monetary policy revitalization through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and fiscal policy reforms. These efforts aim to foster investor confidence and pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity.”
The Minister called for recognition of the value of strategic PR in crafting narratives that celebrate achievements, address challenges transparently, and articulate a compelling vision for the future.
Additionally, in his speech, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, affirmed the indispensability of PR to economic development.
Represented by Uchenna Ogbona of Corporate Communication, the CBN governor emphasized that PR plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic resurgence and reputation management. He stated, “Our assembly here transcends a mere gathering; it signifies the pivotal role of PR as an essential asset for Nigeria’s economic and reputational rebirth.”
In his discourse, the CBN governor emphasized that PR is instrumental in shaping public opinion and perceptions, thereby fostering trust among stakeholders, including Nigerians both domestically and abroad, investors, and customers.
He added, “The theme of this event recognizes the transformative impact of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.” Mr. Cardoso noted that PR is vital in shaping national capital, building trust, attracting investments, and encouraging international partnerships.
However, he highlighted that achieving these goals requires a strategic, focused, inclusive, and comprehensive approach. The CBN governor also expressed that, “United in our pursuit and leveraging PR instruments, we are poised to transform our challenges into our most significant accomplishments.”
PRNigeria reports that Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) is a significant event that celebrates and highlights the crucial role of public relations in shaping communication, fostering understanding, and building positive relationships between organizations, individuals, and the public. During the week, professionals in the field come together to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies.
The annual NPRW includes workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It serves as a platform for PR practitioners, journalists, marketers, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and contribute to the growth and development of effective communication in Nigeria.
SOURCE: PRNigeria
