By Victoria Onehi
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has unveiled the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG),a high profile vehicle for Nigeria’s reputation renaissance.
In his opening speech at the unveiling of the platform in Abuja on Tuesday,the President of NIPR Dr Ike Neliaku, said the Nigeria Reputation Management Group is a private sector led platform, that will partner with relevant agencies of government and the private sector, to harvest, harness, recreate and manage Nigerias reputation capital as one of the biggest and most valued assets of Nigeria.
Neliaku said, “We are here to unveil what will become Nigeria’s biggest possible Transformation Pillar and Driver – The Reputation Project. Reputation is a core asset of inestimable value, be it to a nation, an organisation or even an individual. As important as reputation is, it is not easily attained. It comes with a lot of hard work, careful design, deep foresight, skillful planning, and strategic implementation of well orchestrated programmes and actions.
“The baby we are unveiling today started in August 2022 when we convened the Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security, which I had the privilege to Chair its National Planning Committee. The Summit recommended that the NIPR should partner with relevant organisations to create a body corporate whose sole responsibility will be to manage the reputation of Nigeria, to be known as, Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG).” He said.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation,Mohammed Idris,in his remarks said a country’s brand reputation is one of its core assets, alongside its financial and natural and mineral resources.
“However, the intangibility of brand reputation means that it is often not reckoned with or grossly underestimated in the accounting of a country’s primary assets. This dismissive mindset is what the NIPR seeks to challenge, through the NRMG.
” It is therefore important for Nigeria to take its national brand very seriously. I believe we can start by honestly assessing our strengths and weaknesses. Yes, we have our challenges and reputational weaknesses, but we also have significant strengths and untapped potential.
“On this note, let me commend the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for this laudable move, and pledge the full and unalloyed support of the Federal Government and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration towards ensuring the success that it deserves.”Idris said.
In his remarks,the Minister of Foreign Affairs,Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar said to address Nigerias challenges, Nigerians must embrace a proactive approach to reputation management. This he said ‘begins with effective communication.’ “We must tell our own story before others tell it for us, and we must ensure that the story we tell is both honest and aspirational. National reputation is not about glossing over challenges or ignoring problems, but about framing those challenges within a broader narrative of progress, resilience and potentials.
“As we move forward, let us remember that our national reputation is not just about how others see us – it is about how we see ourselves. By promoting a positive image of Nigeria, by addressing the needs of our people, and by actively engaging with the global community, we can ensure that Nigeria is seen as the dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking nation that it truly is.” Tuggar said.
