By Fisayo Ajibola
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Kwara State, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will be headlining the National Spokespersons’ Summit to strengthen the capacities of professionals in public, private, and civil society organisations.
NIPR President, Ike Neliaku, who spoke to journalists at the weekend in Abuja, said that the programme which was scheduled for March 26 and 27 and themed “Change Narratives, Change Society” was part of efforts to put in place an effective, sustainable, and well-focussed framework for managing public conversations in Nigeria.
According to him, it will also enhance good governance, rebuild trust, renew hope, and promote development at federal, state, and local government levels
Set to be held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information, the summit, the NIPR chief executive said, will enhance the competencies of spokespersons through the acquisition of relevant skillsets, an understanding of global trends and best practices.
In addition, Neliaku stated that it will help expand their knowledge of modern techniques that would enable them to craft effective and attractive messages, create acceptable content, and manage the expectations of their principals, organisations, and society.
“The summit will be opened by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has graciously accepted to be the special guest of honour. It will be chaired by the Governor of Kwara State, and Chairman, of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“The Minister of Information and National Orientation will be the chief host of the summit. We will take goodwill messages from various sections of Nigerians,” he added.
Prof. Tony Iredia, he said, will also be a key speaker at the event, which will feature technical sessions.He pointed out that the session will be chaired by Chief Yomi-Badejo Okusanya, the President, of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the Group Managing Director of CMC Connect.
Being the first of its kind, he said the organisation has not spared anything to ensure that the event succeeds.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Sule Sule, emphasised the need for strategic communication, explaining that spokespersons must learn how to handle their assignments.
“We are in an era where everything you do must be strategic, even the way we communicate nowadays. Spokespersons too, the way they handle their assignments must be strategic, and this is the kind of forum that will equip them and give them the necessary tools to make them alive to their responsibilities,” he stated.
Commenting, the Sub-committee Chairperson on Publicity, Moji Makanjuola, argued that only Nigeria can change the negative narrative about the country.
