Be Guardians of Truth, National Integration, Shettima Counsels PR Professionals
*Urges them to open door for new comers
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on Public Relations practioners to be guardians of truth and national integration through effective communication in order to help combat disinformation.
He made call while delivering his speech at the maiden edition of the National Spokespersons Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, the VeePee who harped on the role of PR practitioners both as image building and narrative construction which are required in maintaining social order, urged members of the institute to embrace national sacrifice.
“Through your commitments and sacrifices, the voices of the misrepresented and the misunderstood are amplified, and the vision of a better tomorrow is brought to fruition.”
He stressed the immense responsibility spokespersons held as the voices of their organisations or principals, representing their values, visions, missions, and aspirations to the public.
“You are not only the spokesperson, a gatekeeper of truth, but also a defender of the public at the mercy of fake news merchants and their impressionable mercenaries.
“We can never win the war against misinformation and disinformation unless our responses to them are timely and evidence-based.”
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to citizen engagement, he prayed the image makers provide room for more members without treating anyone as inconsequential.
“This is an invitation for you to partner with us in crafting the right narratives to change the Nigerian story and reinvent our society.”
“...always leave a seat empty for any group to join your table and don’t treat anyone as inconsequential because their views don’t align with yours,” expressing the hope that the summit would strengthen the enthusiasm of all spokespersons to bridge divides, inspire commitment, and induce actions that drive the change we desire.”
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reiterated the pivotal role effective communication played in shaping perceptions and fostering trust.
“Nigeria, a diversely blessed and vibrant country, grapples with the need to create a cohesive national identity; one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations. ”
According to him, crafting a compelling national narrative has become imperative particularly now that it is striving to live up to vast potentials.
The event was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
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