The current administration, according to Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, will not rely on propaganda to promote government programmes and policies.
Idris spoke at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) annual general meeting (AGM) in Abuja on Thursday.
He stated that the Tinubu administration would work to restore people’s faith in the government by enacting tangible and credible policies.
Idris said:
“You are aware that the focus of government now is how to restore the confidence of the governed, in government and its institutions”.
“This time around, a process of restoring popular confidence and trust in government and its policies shall not lie in the domain of propaganda.
“Through a tangible and credible policy of the government, the government aims to directly impact the lives of our people. In other words, the era of relying on propaganda to propagate government programmes is now over.”
He stated that the administration led by Bola Tinubu will prioritize providing credible information to Nigerians at all times.
Idris emphasized the significance of transparency as the cornerstone of credibility and authenticity in building lasting relationships.
He assured his colleagues that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will be based on transparent and accountable information dissemination to the Nigerian public.
This commitment extends to acknowledging mistakes openly and humbly when they occur.
He highlighted the importance of this approach in reducing apathy and fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
New approach
“We will engender a new approach based on truth, mutual respect, and empathy, which is needed to reopen conversation between government and the people.”
Idris, who is an NIPR fellow, noted that the event was not only for celebrating members’ dedication to public relations but also to embark on “a journey of reflection, of inspiration, and of collaboration”.
“In this age of information saturation, where every click and stroll adds to the noise, the role of public relations has never been more vital,” Idris said.
“We are the storytellers, the bridge builders and the custodians of reputation, our work shapes, perceptions, guides decisions, fosters relationships, and extends far beyond the boardroom.
“As guardians of reputation, therefore, we must learn very fast to navigate uncharted waters, with ethical responsibility and a commitment to truth. Ethics indeed lie at the heart of our profession.
“In an era where trust can be shattered with a single misleading tweet, our integrity must remain unshakable.”