The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has raised alarm over the country’s ongoing struggle with its international reputation.
Speaking at a two-day training session in Abuja on Thursday, February 27, Stanley Ogadigo, the Director of Public Relations and Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of NIPR, expressed concern that Nigeria’s image continues to suffer globally.
The training, which brought together public relations and media professionals from both the public and private sectors, was focused on the theme “Reputation Roundtable: Navigating Reputation Challenges in the Digital Era.”
Ogadigo attributed much of the nation’s reputation issues to poor leadership, as well as the actions of certain unscrupulous individuals and quacks who, he claimed, have infiltrated the public relations industry.
“Nigeria needs to begin this year in the right direction. One of our greatest challenges today is our reputation. We are gathered here today to train ourselves to help drive the leadership at federal, state, and local government levels to ensure Nigeria can compete effectively on the global stage,” Ogadigo said.
He stressed that the NIPR’s efforts are also aimed at combating quackery within the profession, advocating for a stronger emphasis on certified public relations professionals.
In particular, he highlighted the importance of ensuring that only qualified members are appointed as PR directors in organisations across the country.
“Reputation is everything, In this kind of programme, we are not looking for large numbers. We want to see genuine reputation drivers who will help restore Nigeria’s position as a leading, reputable nation on the global stage.” Ogadigo continued.
In a keynote address, Professor Okey Ikechukwu, a renowned expert in Strategic Management and Human Capital Development at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, discussed the growing challenges posed by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of misinformation in today’s digital landscape.
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Describing the digital space as a “high-risk battlefield,” Ikechukwu warned that public perception could be damaged within moments due to the unchecked spread of misinformation.
He argued that traditional crisis management methods are no longer sufficient in the age of digital immediacy.
“Delayed responses to reputation crises can be fatal, Organisations must have a preemptive crisis management plan that ensures swift, fact-based responses before narratives spiral out of control.” Ikechukwu said.
The training session, which attracted numerous public relations professionals, was part of a broader effort by NIPR to bolster the country’s reputation and develop a more effective approach to crisis communication in the digital era.
With reputation management more crucial than ever, the NIPR aims to equip professionals with the necessary tools to navigate these complex challenges.
As Nigeria seeks to rebuild and enhance its image, Ogadigo and Ikechukwu’s calls for swift, proactive engagement in the digital age underscore the need for a concerted, well-coordinated approach to restoring the country’s global standing.
