The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has appealed to public relations professionals in Nigeria to key into ongoing efforts and reforms aimed at rebranding the nation’s reputation and attracting investors into the country.
Idris made the appeal on Tuesday during the official opening ceremony of the Nigerian Public Relations Week 2025 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The theme of the event was: “Harnessing Public Relations for Nigerian Economic Relations.”
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration is paving the way for a robust economic recovery, even as he announced the allocation of N1.5 trillion to revamp the Bank of Agriculture within two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
His words: “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.”
In his remarks, President and Chairman-in-Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, emphasized the need for effective communication in leadership, citing its lack as a major problem facing the country.
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.
Representing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, highlighted the importance of public relations in economic development.
“I believe public relations practitioners can work collaboratively with the larger media to market our nation,” she said.
The governor expressed optimism that public relations practitioners can play a crucial role in building a better Nigeria by working with government and investors to positively project the country.
High points of the event included posthumous awards to three distinguished Nigerians, including the late LOC Chairman of NPRW25, Dr. Uduak Obot, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s reputation.
Also, the inauguration of the Body of Advisors of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group took place, with Dr. John Momoh as Chairman, Muhammed Kudu Abubakar as Inaugural Secretary, and Bashiru Adeniyi, CGC, as Vice Chairman.
