Fubara Tasks PR practitioners on Truth, Fairness 

The Rivers State Government has called on Public public Relations practitioners to continue to uphold truth and fairness in all their activities.

The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said this at the opening ceremony of The Rivers State Public Relations week, in Port Harcourt, last Friday.

The event was with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders Engagement And public Trust in A challenging Economy”.

The Governor who represented by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, also tasked them to work together towards rebuilding public trust, and strengthen performance for national development.

He also  called on  them to embark on campaign that would engender public trust and confidence between the government and the governed.

The Governor  said the advice had become necessary, especially in this era where public confidence in government was being eroded, stressing that Public Relations practitioners have a herculean task of enlightening the public on government activities.

The Head of Service said government would soon come out with a policy that would classify all information officers in the ministry as Public Relations practitioners.

She said the government would support the Institute in its national conference planned for next year.

Also speaking, National President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the activities of Public Relations Officer were needed at the moment as the country was facing international backlash.

Neliaku said several leaders failed because they did not realize the importance of Public Relations, stressing that the nexus between public Relations and leadership is so profound.

He also announced plans by the country to host an international Public Relations conference where over 126 countries would be represented.

He said the hosting rights given to Nigeria was an  indication that the country was beginning to know the value of Public Relations.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who was the guest lecturer, called for transparent engagement between the Institute and other stakeholders in the country.

Ogbuku who was represented by the Manager, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mrs Seledin Thompson Wakama spoke on the theme.

He said building trust was also necessary to ensure long term support for organization and transparency

According to the NDDC MD, building trust with stakeholders requires credibility, reliability and empathy, adding that his Commission will explore all available opportunity to partner with the Institute in identifying and implementing programme for the benefits of the people.

On his welcome address, the state Chairman of the institute, Rev. Francis Asuk, said strategic communications was central to peace-building and governance, adding that time has come for our leaders both in public and private sectors to engage professional Public Relations practitioners in managing and communicating through sensitive issues.

He said the expertise of Public Relations practitioners in stakeholders mapping, perception management and conflict resolution and innovation framing can make a crucial difference in restoring a more stable and progressive state.

Rev. Asuk said the theme of the conference which is “Refocusing Stakeholders Engagement And public Trust in A challenging Economy” would not have been appropriate in view of the continued erosion of public trust in government and economic challenges, misinformation and institutional fatigue which have tested resilience of governments, businesses and communities.

By: John Bibor