The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has expressed concern over Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with its global reputation, attributing the issue to poor leadership and unethical practices within the public relations industry.
According to The PUNCH, the NIPR Director of Public Relations and Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory chapter, Stanley Ogadigo, emphasized the urgent need to rebuild the country’s image.
The event, themed “Reputation Roundtable: Navigating Reputation Challenges in the Digital Era,” drew public relations and media professionals from government agencies and private organizations.
Ogadigo pointed to the presence of unqualified individuals within the PR profession as a major challenge.
“One of Nigeria’s biggest problems today is reputation,” he stated. “We are gathered here to equip ourselves with the necessary skills to guide leadership at all levels—federal, state, and local—so that our country can regain its standing on the global stage.”
He further stressed that combating quackery in public relations is a priority.
“This training is part of our efforts to curb the infiltration of unqualified individuals into the profession. Rather than relying solely on law enforcement, we are creating opportunities for certified professionals to take leadership roles in PR across organizations,” he explained.
Highlighting the significance of reputation in national development, Ogadigo underscored the need for strategic communication.
“Reputation is everything,” he noted. “We are not interested in large numbers at this event. Our goal is to engage key reputation managers who will restore Nigeria’s global image.”
A keynote speaker at the event, Professor Okey Ikechukwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, raised concerns about the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence and the rapid spread of misinformation in shaping public perception.
“The digital space has become a high-risk battlefield where reputations can be destroyed in seconds,” he warned. “Traditional crisis response strategies are no longer effective in today’s fast-paced media landscape.”
Ikechukwu called for proactive crisis management strategies, emphasizing real-time digital monitoring and swift responses to mitigate reputational risks.
“Delayed responses to reputation crises can be fatal,” he said. “Organizations must have a preemptive crisis management plan that ensures quick, fact-based responses before misleading narratives take root.”
