DAAR GMD Endorses National Spokespersons’ Summit
..Calls for Act Enforcement against Quacks
The Group Managing Director of the Daar Communications, High Chief Tony Akiotu, has applauded the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for the initiative to organise National Spokespersons’ Summit, noting that the job of a spokesperson requires special skills.
Akiotu who spoke on Friday while receiving a delegation of the NIPR said that the step taken by the Institute to train those that speak for organisations and government across all strata is a well conceived intervention that will reset the nation on the part of progress.
DAAR GMD emphasised that professionalism is a key element in appointment of a spokesperson, saying “Just one mistake from a spokesman can lead a nation to war. It is important to sensitise the various tiers of government on the need to be part of this Summit”.
He decried the appointment of unqualified persons as spokespersons to government agencies and politically exposed persons, urging the NIPR as the sole regulator of public relations practice to use the instrumentality of the law as provided in its Act to get rid of quacks in the profession.
While expressing the readiness of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of the African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM to partner NIPR in the Summit coming up in Abuja between 25th – 28th March, 2024, the GMD insisted that time has come for things to be done differently in order to achieve a more positive narrative for Nigeria.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Organising Committee of Summit, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule explained that the aim of the Summit is to change the way we communicate as a nation, both in public and private sectors.
“NIPR felt that spokespersons need to be re-oriented. They need to be equipped with certain knowledge and skills for them to speak in the direction of non-violent communication”, he stated.
Recall that the Summit’s action plan was unveiled Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris Malagi in Abuja.
Stanley Ogadigo
Director, Public Relations
3-2-2024
