The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, has reiterated the importance of ethical journalism and reputation management in fostering national development.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja during the Reputation Roundtable on “Navigating Reputation Challenges in the Digital Era,”
the CEO of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, stressed the need for individuals and organisations to cultivate credible public images, particularly in today’s digital era, where information spreads rapidly.
“You cannot invent a reputation. Your reputation derives from who you are known to be—your actions, how you treat people, how you behave in public, and the things you show interest in,“ he said.
He emphasised that effective reputation management must be based on truth rather than deception or aggressive rebuttals.
“If you are going to employ a reputation management professional or organisation, you must know that their job is not to tell lies about you or attack everyone who says something unpleasant. Instead, they should present an image that can be defended with facts.”
The conference, organised by the NIPR FCT Chapter, aims to equip public relations professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving media landscape. Prof. Ikechukwu warned that in today’s digital age, a single misleading post could damage an individual’s or organisation‘s reputation within seconds.
Also, veteran broadcast journalist Moji Makanjuola urged the media to take a more constructive role in nation-building rather than amplifying negative narratives.
“The responsibility falls on us when it comes to managing reputations. Too often, we forget that we are part of the society we report on. Instead of accelerating development, we sometimes focus on negativity.
“Our role is to stimulate growth, promote development, and uphold the values that make us true Nigerians,“ she said.
Makanjuola encouraged journalists to prioritise balanced reporting, integrity, believability, and nationalism, which are essential for earning public trust.
“Until we start conducting ourselves professionally—ensuring our stories are well-rounded, our messages are inclusive, and our ethics are evident—the Nigerian media will not be fully recognised as a driving force for development.“
She noted that the NIPR conference served as a wake-up call for media and public relations practitioners to uphold ethical standards, protect their reputations, and contribute positively to national progress.
