Ministers, Neliaku Inaugurate NRMG to Fix Nigeria’s Reputation Crisis
The Nigeria Reputation Management Group, NRMG, on Tuesday in Abuja, was officially unveiled by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris.
Idris was assisted by Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the ceremony which was also attend by Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr., Prof. Jerry Gana and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Information Ministers.
The NRMG, a professional, private sector-led platform, will partner with relevant agencies of government and the private sector to harvest, harness, recreate and manage Nigeria’s reputation capital, as one of the biggest and most valued assets of the country.
A former President of the African Public Relations Association, APRA, Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, is the pioneer Director General of the group.
Alh. Idris, in his remarks, explained that NRMG is aimed at repositioning and bolstering the brand reputation of Nigeria.
“Today’s event marks a significant step forward in our collective resolve to redefine ourselves as a people and thus enhance our nation’s image and reputation on the global stage.
“The NRMG will play a pivotal role in promoting and changing the global perception of our dear country, by showcasing and highlighting our true identity, achievements, strengths and positives, while also amplifying the voices of our various peoples.
“To accomplish this, the Group will build strategic partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders across various sectors, including government, private industry, civil society, the media and youth organizations, within and outside the country,” he said.
According to the Minister, having a strong national brand will attract talent, tourists, and investors, and this combination in turn further strengthens Nigeria, positioning it to attract even more positives.
His words: “The reverse is also the case, a weak national brand will discourage investments and talent, depriving a country of what it needs for national development, an unfortunate scenario that further weakens perceptions of brand quality.
“We cannot have a strong national brand on the global stage without first achieving it here at home, by fully activating the belief and pride of Nigerians in their motherland”.
The President and Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, explained that the NRMG was conceived as a professional, private sector-led complimentary solution, aimed at strengthening and repositioning Nigeria’s reputation capital as a core national asset, for stronger domestic relevance, and global competitiveness, on a deliberate, sustainable basis, through collaboration and partnerships.
