Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, restated the government’s commitment to rebuilding the trust of the populace through concrete and trustworthy policies and initiatives. He made these remarks while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations 2023 Conference/Annual General Meeting held on August 24, 2023, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
The Minister emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information free from propaganda, underscoring that this approach would not only diminish indifference but also foster reliance among citizens. This, in turn, would pave the way for meaningful dialogues between the government and the people. He underscored that this vision would serve as the guiding principle for executing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Drawing attention to the pivotal role of NIPR, Alhaji Mohammed Idris highlighted the Institute’s role in molding public perception of the government’s pivotal endeavors to reshape society. He urged the Institute to recommit itself to the greater benefit of the nation. In a landscape flooded with information, where every online interaction contributes to the cacophony, the Minister emphasized the indispensability of public relations. He described practitioners in this field as storytellers, bridge builders, and guardians of reputation. In a digital age where trust can be fractured by a single misleading post, he stressed the significance of maintaining unwavering integrity.
Prior to Alhaji Mohammed Idris’s address, Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, the President and Chairman of the Council at NIPR, extended a warm welcome to newly appointed government officials, including the Minister of Information. He interpreted these appointments as a recognition of the crucial role that NIPR members play in the nation’s progress. He acknowledged the present challenges that demand tough choices, citing the impact of the removal of petroleum product subsidies. Although well-intentioned, he noted the toll it had taken on the ordinary Nigerian’s livelihood. He assured the Institute’s commitment to extending support through all available channels.
The event was attended by public relations practitioners from across the country, gathering in preparation for the election of new council members.
