Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to take a more proactive role in managing public perception as a strategic tool for fostering unity, development, and good governance across the country.
The Governor made this call through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who represented him at the 2025 NIPR Week held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In his goodwill message, Governor Oborevwori stressed that effective perception management is essential to building a greater Nigeria, especially in an era dominated by information overload and misinformation.
He noted that while developmental strides are being made by state and national governments, their impact can be diminished if not properly communicated to the public.
“Good governance must be complemented by good communication. If we don’t tell our stories, others will tell them for us often inaccurately,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori further urged public relations professionals to rise above partisan narratives and instead focus on truth-driven communication.
“We must counter propaganda with verifiable facts. The role of PR practitioners is not just to defend reputations, but to actively shape public consciousness through accurate and ethical storytelling,” he added.
In line with the theme of the event, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Chairman of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), delivered a keynote lecture titled “Ten Things Shaping the Future of Public Relations.”
He outlined critical trends influencing the evolution of the profession, including the growing emphasis on collaboration, the importance of authenticity, adherence to a robust code of ethics, the transformative impact of the internet, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into communication strategies.
Dr. Ibietan cautioned PR professionals against blindly trusting AI-generated content without verification. He encouraged the use of fact-checking tools and platforms such as Google Image Reverse, Dubawa, and other local fact-checking agencies to safeguard credibility and public trust.
He concluded by challenging practitioners to embrace innovation without compromising the core values of the profession: truth, transparency, and service to society.
The 2025 NIPR Week brought together leading voices in public relations, communication, and media, reaffirming the profession’s vital role in nation-building and democratic sustainability.
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