…as NECCI PR holds its 25th Roundtable discussions
In an era where information flows faster than ever, John Momoh, a veteran broadcaster and chairman of Channels Media Group, has identified credibility, rather than information, as Nigeria’s greatest challenge.
Delivering his keynote address at the 25th NECCI PR Roundtable discussions, themed “The Ethics of Governance: Shaping Reputation through Public Relations”, he emphasised that the problem of governance in Nigeria is a lack of trust.
“Trust is the currency of leadership. Trust between leaders and citizens, government and the governed, and between Nigeria and Nigerians.
“People no longer take official statements at face value. They hear promises that don’t match their pay, see projects launched but rarely completed,” he said.
He emphasised that when citizens stop believing their leaders, no amount of publicity can repair that loss of faith, and this he said, is the very heart of credibility.
“When we talk about the ethics of governments, we’re talking about what leaders do when no one is watching. Because ethics is the summation of integrity plus transparency, and accountability.
“It means doing the right thing, not the complicated thing; it’s transparency in all forms. Letting the light shine on decisions, and it’s accountability,” he noted.
Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the founder/convener of NECCI PR Roundtable discussions, said over the years, the PR roundtable has evolved into a respected forum for dialogue, learning and advocacy.
“We have remained true to our founding vision to promote professionalism, uphold ethics and use communication as a tool for development and nation building. Our impact over the past 25 years has been significant,” she said.
She announced the launch of the NECCI Public Relations Pulse Excellence Prize, which is aimed at promoting professionalism in the industry.
“Today, we are proud to launch the NECCI Public Relations Pulse Excellence Prize. This initiative aims to cultivate knowledgeable and skilled public relations professionals who will make a significant impact in the industry,” she said.
Godrey Ogbechie, group executive director at Rainoil Ltd, said that ethics gives governance its soul and public relations, when practised truthfully, gives practitioners’ souls a voice.
Ogbechie emphasised the need for integrity even in the face of crisis management.
“I’ve learned that integrity is the best crisis management tool, when you choose openness over silence, honesty over convenience, trust grows in tough times.
“We are in tough times, not just in Nigeria, even those of you who may disagree, but globally, these are really very tough times. As we are professionals, we must be more than storytellers; we must be truth tellers; let our messages align with our values,” he said.
She reiterated that if Nigeria’s reputation is to rise, ethics must move from documents to daily conduct, from slogans to standards. “Let us make ethics our strongest brand,” she urged.
Ike Neliaku, the NIPR president, represented by Emmanuel Dandaura, the vice-president at NIPR, said the issues of ethics, governance and the strategic role of public relations cannot be overemphasised.
“Governance everywhere is under intense public scrutiny. Citizens are more vocal in the digital spaces, and they are also unforgiving as far as demanding accountability is concerned.
“Let us face it, no amount of public relations can save unethical governance. You can try your best to polish an image, but if the conduct is rough, the shine won’t last,” emphasised.
Neliaku highlighted the need to train a new generation of public relations practitioners who understand that ethics is not a chapter in a textbook, but the oxygen of credibility.
“Let us use our skills not just to promote power, but to humanise it. Not just to shape messages, but to reveal meaning in public life.
“As we celebrate this silver jubilee, let’s remember that reputation is not what people say about us when we issue a press statement. It is what they believe about us when the microphone is off,” he said.
Idris Malagi, the minister of information, stressed that the link between ethical governance and national reputation has become critical; hence, he said, as government communicators and stakeholders in the information ecosystem, practitioners must continue to uphold ethics, transparency, and the truth at the foundation of every effective public communication.
“As the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, our work is deeply anchored in this main principle. Through the renewed agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this administration is committed to rebuilding public trust, promoting transparency and ensuring that government communication serves as a bridge between government and the people.
“Through responsible information management, media engagement and national orientation, we aim to foster a culture where truth, accountability and integrity are defined by our national narrative,” he said.
Dignitaries such as Tokunboh George-Taylor, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Alice Ajeh, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Rafia Oseni, Yakubu Lamai, Femi Adesina and Lampe Omoyele, among others, lend their voices to promoting ethics in Nigeria’s governance at all levels.
