…Focus on PR, Culture and international presence
Nigeria’s public relations sector is rallying to reshape the countrys global image, with stakeholders convening at the opening of the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) 2025 held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Under the theme Solid Minerals: A Solid Path to Nigerias Sustainable Economic Recovery The Challenge for Public Relations, the event focused on strategies to project Nigerias strengths and address perceptions both domestically and internationally.
A major highlight was Nigeria’s announcement to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), a move seen as an opportunity to showcase Nigerias rich cultural heritage, vibrant music, exotic cuisine, and warm hospitality. President and Chairman of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, expressed confidence that Nigeria is ready to present a compelling narrative to the world. At WPRF 2026, the world will savor Nigerias magnificent splendorfrom our cuisine to our creativity, he affirmed. Despite concerns about safety and tourism, Nigeria will demonstrate its importance as a premier destination in Africa.
Dr. Neliaku also stressed the importance of effective communication in leadership and nation-building, sharing a recent experience where a simple question about Nigerian food became a metaphor for external perceptions. The challenges of leadership in Nigeria are partly due to ineffective communication. Leaders need to share their visions openly and responsibly, he emphasized.
The event featured the installation of John Momoh, CEO of Channels Media Group, as the pioneer Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG)s Body of Advisers. This initiative aims to promote positive narratives about Nigeria and rebuild trust. Every negative post or harsh comment erodes our image, said Momoh. Let us instead share stories of innovation, resilience, and excellence within our borders, promoting constructive narratives that rebuild trust and credibility.
Other key appointments included Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General, as Vice Chairman, and Mohammed Kudu Abubakar as Secretary. Momoh urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to reposition Nigerias image.
Throughout the event, government officials and industry leaders called for unity in promoting positive stories. Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, highlighted how negative reportage hampers foreign investment, affirming, Our state is safe, peaceful, and investment-friendly. She urged practitioners to leverage their expertise to foster peace and promote government initiatives.
Similarly, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, encouraged Nigerians to focus on positive narratives. We need to speak good about our country, he urged. Constructive criticism is welcome, but our focus should be on promoting Nigerias successes so that we can accelerate development and restore our national pride.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chair of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, called for collective responsibility, stating, Reforms may take time, but they are underway. All of usgovernment, media, and citizensmust work together to build a better Nigeria.
The event also honored prominent public relations practitioners with posthumous awards, celebrating their contributions to nation-building.
As Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 WPRF and bolster its reputation management efforts, stakeholders remain committed to building a positive, credible, and inspiring national image. Dr. Neliaku concluded, Our collective narratives shape perceptions. Every Nigerian has a role in telling our storyof resilience, innovation, and hope.
With renewed focus and strategic initiatives, Nigeria aims to reclaim its place on the global stage and showcase its true potential to the world.