The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, has stated that many state governors are poor brand ambassadors considering the manner they delivered their national day broadcasts on Independence Day.
Oladele stated this during a press briefing on Monday in Lagos on the forthcoming Annual Conference of Directors and Heads of Public Relations.
He lamented that an event like the Independence Day celebration warrants the governors to at least adorn themselves in the national colors to show the significance of the celebration.
While emphasizing that such behavior was rare among the Germans, Americans or even those of neighboring Ghana, Oladele called on states Directors of Communication to help their principals on the need to do more in preaching the message of the richness of our culture.
The NIPR boss also lamented the proliferation and poor integration of national identities in the country.
He placed the blame on poor internal communication dynamics in the country, stressing that it will be easier and cost effective if all information is centralized instead of capturing different biometrics in NIMC, driving licence, voters card and others.
Oladele also commented on the upcoming conference, which he said will feature speakers like Tony Ojobo, the Director, Public Affairs of the Nigeria Communications Commission; Dr. Tony Iredia, a former Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority; Dr. Omede Idris, the President, Association of Professional bodies in Nigeria; and Mazi Mike Okereke, former President of NIPR.
Oladele said the aim of the conference is to boost communication since it is the key to the failure or success of any sector whether private or public.
He further urged public relations consultants who are not registered to key into the window of opportunity opened to them since the fight against quackery has commenced.
He also made mention of the collaboration with the Nigerian Police to set up a school for public relations, with 67 officers enrolled already.
He profusely thanked the Police for appointing a seasoned PR expert, Emmanuel Ojukwu, as the Provost of the institution.
He highlighted that the same thing is being done for the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He said this has become necessary to enable law enforcement agencies put in place proper and efficient communication with stakeholders.
Oladele also stated that in collaboration with the National Universities Commission, a review of Mass Communication curriculum in Journalism, PR and Advertising was being undertaken to enable students have a good grasp of the subjects and specialize easily.
He said the same will be done for polytechnics in conjunction with the National Board for Technical Education.
The Eagle Online reports that the conference will take place on October 9 in Lagos at Sheraton Hotels and attendance is open to Directors and Heads of Public Relations and PR consultants.
