The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says national reorientation is critical to fostering unity and cohesion within Nigeria.
Idris said this at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Diamond Celebration held in Abuja on Thursday.
He said President Bola Tinubu has directed that national orientation be given priority in government affairs.
“What President Bola Tinubu is trying to do is to put national orientation at the centre of the affairs of this country because all roads can be built, all infrastructure can be improved and everything can be done but once the right atmosphere is created there, you will lose everything. Infrastructure development is crucial but without a cohesive social framework, our progress is unsustainable,” the minister said.
Idris highlighted the cultural impact of events like Davido’s wedding to illustrate the power of music in promoting patriotism and national unity.
“We must harness music and other cultural expressions to instill hope and foster reconciliation,” he stressed, calling for a renewed emphasis on reliable public communication.
NIPR Diamond Celebration: National reorientation critical to Nigerian unity – Minister of Information
Also speaking at the event, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema lamented the external pressures hindering Nigeria’s economic progress and urged Nigerians to regain their pride and resilience.
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The President of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Justin Green, has urged the Nigerian government to recruit public relations professionals to foster national development and address the country’s reputational challenges.
According to him, the Nigerian government, the Minister of Information and National Guidance and policy makers must engage the NIPR in enhancing effective communication and national reputation management.
“The NIPR has achieved important milestones over the last 60 years. However, it is not only its history that sets it apart, but also its ambitious vision for the future. The NIPR represents a core community of public relations professionals who excel not only in Africa but around the world,” he stated.
Green expressed confidence in NIPR’s leadership, which has taken it to greater heights, reaffirming the Global Alliance’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with the institute.
Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), praised NIPR’s 60-year legacy as a beacon for public relations across Africa.
He urged Nigerians to lead by example and support regional integration efforts.
Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, urged NIPR members to improve Nigeria’s international image, stressing the need to deliver tangible benefits of governance visible to all Nigerians across the world.
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Earlier in his opening remarks, NIPR President Ike Neliaku welcomed initiatives such as the nationwide planting of 60 trees, symbolizing unity amidst diversity, as part of the institute’s efforts.
He said the institute is committed to a transparent governance model based on trust and truth, just as he called for greater accountability and support for local industries like Innoson.
Dapo Oyewale, a presidential aide, moderated a panel discussion at the event titled “Public Relations, Values Reorientation and Economic Transformation.”
NIPR Diamond Celebration: National Reorientation Critical to Nigeria’s Unity, Says Information Minister