Uko Okon
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh Mohammed Idris, has appealed to public relations professionals in Nigeria to key into the ongoing efforts and reforms to rebrand the nation’s reputation and attract investors into the country.
Idris appealed 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 current administration’s renewed hope agenda 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.
“I urge the 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, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman-in-Council of NIPR, harped on the need for effective communication in leadership, citing the lack of it as a major problem facing the country.
He said, “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 Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, 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 be crucial in building a better Nigeria by working with the government and investors to positively project the country.
The event’s high points 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, and the inauguration of the body of Advisors of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, led by Dr John Momoh as Chairman, Muhammed Kudu Abubakar as inaugural Secretary, and Bashiru Adenuyi, CGC, Vice Chairman.
