Minister Tasks NIPR to Rebrand Nigeria as He Inaugurates Governing Council

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, has issued a compelling mandate to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to spearhead a transformative rebranding initiative aimed at rectifying the reputational challenges faced by Nigeria. 

Speaking during the prestigious Inauguration of the NIPR Governing Council in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Malagi underscored the pivotal role reputation plays in projecting a nation’s global standing and lamented the detrimental impact of negative perceptions on national development.

As a fellow of the NIPR, Mr  Malagi affirmed his commitment to a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the NIPR. 

He believes that the partnership will play a pivotal role in designing communication strategies aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

The Minister expressed admiration for the current initiatives and programmes of the NIPR Council, led by Ike Neliaku, recognizing their potential to elevate both the Institute and the nation into a global reputational hub. 

“Reputation is one of the key pillars in nation building and plays strategic roles in the development of any nation. Part of the challenges of our nation today is what could be termed a ‘reputation deficit’ caused by the wrong perception of Nigeria in the global arena. This is a sad phenomenon and as professionals, we must find practical public relations solutions to reclaim our damaged reputational asset. Other nations have their difficulties, but the difference is in the management of the issues, which is usually done through a robust partnership between government, professional groups like the NIPR and the general citizens.”

“As a professional and a Fellow of the Institute, I fully understand the importance of reputation and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is determined to partner with the NIPR to redesign the communication strategy that will drive the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration towards enhanced national reputation and development. I must say that I am impressed with the initiatives and programmes of the current Council led by Dr Ike Neliaku, as contained in a document presented to me earlier before this event. I firmly believe that if well implemented, they have the potential to transform both the Institute and the country into a global reputational hub,” he said. 

Mr Malagi assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a prosperous and developed Nigeria, highlighting the tangible successes achieved within the administration’s short tenure.

Addressing the newly inaugurated Governing Council, the Minister charged them to deepen the professionalization of the Institute, eradicate quackery, and build a legacy of sound reputation for Nigeria. 

“To all Nigerians, may I use this medium to assure that the Federal Government is strongly committed to ensuring a greater and better Nigeria for all citizens. Yes, the current economic reality may be discomforting; it is a temporary pain that will eventually lead to sustainable gains and development. Let us support leaders across the board and promote the nation’s core values of patriotism, integrity, hard work, love, unity, professional SMd sm, and the culture of excellence, among others.”

“The present administration has recorded appreciable successes in some key areas of the economy within the short period in office and committed to comprehensive reforms that will change the nation’s development narrative for good. As a responsible government, while we are deeply concerned about the welfare of the citizens, we are also very concerned about the perception of our country by the international communities and would like to call on all Nigerians to be conscious of acts and activities within and outside the shores of the country that will portray the country in a bad light,” he added. 

He highlighted the critical role of the Council in promoting professionalism, partnering with governments at all levels, and contributing to the nation’s growth.

The Minister completed the inauguration by formally decorating Mr Neliaku as the 15th President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. 

This historic event marks a pivotal moment in the Institute’s 60-year journey, with the Minister’s call for a world-class reputation aligning seamlessly with the aspirations of the NIPR’s visionary leadership.

Mr Neliaku lauds the effort of the minister

The newly sworn-in President of the NIPR, Mr Neliaku lauded the open-door policy of the minister towards the leadership of the association. 

He appreciated Mr Malagi for the approval of the institute’s E-programme without much I do as a result of his unflinching dedication to the association. 

He told Mr Malagi that they have completed the review of the programmes as instructed by the minister, promising to prioritize the primary aspect of the programmes in line with the vision of the association. 

He said the association has formally set up the Nigeria Citizens Charter in line with the directive of the minister to strategically impact values in the lives of Nigerians. 

“Honourable Minister, sir, we are organizing a spokespersons’ conference, which you have accepted to be the Chief Host on the rebirth of Nigeria with the theme: leveraging public relations as a critical asset for Nigeria’s economic and reputation renaissance, in April,” he added. 

Mr Neliaku thanked the minister for his unwavering commitment towards giving the member’s appointment, which has deeply benefited the institute. 

In his final remarks as the immediate past president of NIPR, Mukhtar Sarajo expressed satisfaction in performing his last duties as the president following the council’s election. 

He entrusted the new council with the crucial responsibility of not just overcoming challenges in Public Relations but surpassing them, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.

A supportive message echoed by the President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Yomi Okusannya,  urging the NIPR to excel in its newfound responsibilities. 

He called upon council members to wholeheartedly support the new administration in achieving its goals. 

Mr Okusannya appealed to the minister, urging him to extend invitations to colleagues for the upcoming April conference, an opportunity to showcase the value of PR.

The event culminated with the President conducting the induction ceremony, welcoming new members into the association. This refined version provides a more detailed and nuanced account, capturing the essence of the remarks and interactions during the event.