The Nigerian government has pledged to restore public trust by directly impacting the lives of citizens through tangible and credible policies and programs.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the pledge on August 24, 2023, at the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 2023 Conference/Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
Idris said that the government would also use credible information dissemination, devoid of propaganda, to reduce apathy and engender trust among citizens.
“It is this vision that will guide the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Idris highlighted the role of NIPR in shaping public appreciation of the government’s fundamental move to reform society and charged the institute to recommit to the greater good.
“In this age of information saturation, where every click and scroll adds to the noise, the role of public relations has never been more vital,” he said. “We are the storytellers, bridge-builders, and custodians of reputation. In an era where trust can be shattered with a single misleading tweet, our integrity must remain unshakable.”
Earlier, the President and Chairman of the Council of NIPR, Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, welcomed the appointment of key NIPR members into positions of government, including that of the Minister of Information. He said this was an indication that the government recognizes the important role that NIPR members play in national development.
Sirajo noted that these were difficult times that required difficult decisions, drawing examples from the effects of the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, which, as he said, was well-intentioned but has taken a heavy toll on the livelihood of the average Nigerian. He said the institute was ready to provide all necessary support through available channels.
The event was attended by public relations practitioners from across the country in preparation for the election of new council members.
