Nigeria Must Drive Its Narrative Its Own Way — NIPR
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) says time has come for Nigeria to drive its own narrative its own way, insisting that external bodies should not be allowed to tell the Nigerian story only in ways that suit them.
The President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku who stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at a retreat for the Nigerian Reputation Management Group (NRMG) group noted that Nigeria is not worse that other countries of the world, urging that all citizens should join hands in amplifying several good things about our country, instead of highlighting the negatives before global audience.
Describing reputation as a core asset, he advised that Nigeria must refuse to be programmed to look down on itself and feel inferior over others despite its large reputational value.
"Time has been come for us to say no. We are better than majority of those who want us to look down on ourselves. I always insist that Nigeria is one of the greatest nations on earth. Whatever parameter you want to use, we remain the best", he stated.
While underlining that narrative and storytelling remain key in driving a lasting reputation for the country, Dr. Neliaku expressed delight that NRMG has demonstrated willingness to tell the Nigerian great stories from private sector perspective, with the full backing of the government.
Describing PR professionals as custodians of Nigeria’s image, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar urged them to articulate and promote a coherent national ethos anchored in unity, resilience, innovation, and a shared belief in the promise of Nigeria.
"The Nigeria Reputation Management Group is uniquely positioned to lead in reclaiming the narrative about Nigeria—correcting misrepresentations, amplifying our achievements, and promoting our leaders not as individuals alone but as custodians of democratic accountability and national progress. In your hands lies the power to inspire confidence, elevate national pride, and strengthen civic engagement", the Minister represented by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir stated.
Also in his remarks, the Chairman Body of Advisers of NRMG, Dr. John Momoh while congratulating the Super Falcons for their victory over the Moroccan team at the just concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) said the Nigerian women did not only secure yet another title, but they reignited our collective pride that speaks to the country's resilience and what Nigeria is truly capable of.
"The world often hears about our setbacks, but rarely do we control the spotlight long enough to tell the full story. That is our mandate. And that is why this retreat matters.
"Our task is ambitious: to craft a unified, credible, and compelling narrative for Nigeria. To restore trust. To inspire confidence. To build a reputation that reflects not just who we are, but who we aspire to become - across diplomacy, governance, investment, innovation, and the creative economy", he stated.
