The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said if he fails to perform credibly as spokesman of the current administration the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has also failed, tasking the body on professionalism.
Apparently underscoring the alignment between his new role and the NIPR’s mission, Idris, who is a fellow of the NIPR, recognised the current government’s focus on rebuilding public trust through transparent and credible policies that directly impact citizens’ lives, and stressed the role of communication professionals in achieving this goal.
The minister disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while delivering his keynote address at the institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference/elections of the NIPR.
“Being a minister will not change anything. My doors are open. My brothers are my brothers; my colleagues are still my colleagues. If the minister fails, the NIPR has failed.
“Therefore, you must take that as a big challenge and as a responsibility that you have to our dear nation to ensure that the NIPR shows the light for others to follow,” the minister said.
Idris emphasised the importance of innovative approaches in the field of public relations to achieve desired results.
He highlighted the significant role that communication professionals play in addressing the complex challenges faced by the nation.
He expressed his delight at being a part of the conference and conveyed his deep honour in addressing fellow professionals. Notably, he shared his personal joy in serving as the minister of information and national orientation, underscoring the alignment between his new role and the NIPR’s mission.
Having amassed three decades of experience in public relations, including being honored as a fellow by the institute, Mr Idris pointed out that his appointment as minister signifies the vital role communication professionals play in tackling the multifaceted challenges that confront the country.
He stressed that the NIPR’s positioning under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation reflects the strategic importance of communication professionals in guiding public perception.
Idris pledged unwavering support for the institute’s mandate in training and regulating the practice of public relations.
Acknowledging the challenges of navigating an era of information saturation, Mr Idris highlighted the central role of public relations in shaping perceptions, building bridges, and safeguarding reputation. He underscored the importance of ethical responsibility, transparency, and authenticity in maintaining trust and credibility.
Speaking earlier, the immediate past president and chairman of Council, NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, said the theme of this year’s AGM, “Leadership, Public Relations and Value Creation”, was apt, giving “some interesting” development in the country, especially the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“As a professional body, we feel obligated to reflect on any issue that affects our dear country with a view to offering our expertise and insight towards the development of the nation,” he said.
