Public Relations when rooted in ethics, does more than promote image it builds credibility, says Minister of Information

Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo representing Minister of Information and Orientation

By Abimbola Mohammed

When public relations is rooted in ethics, it does more than promote image; it builds credibility.

Public relations has become indispensable in shaping governance and reputational standards in Nigeria, according to Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, Minister of Information and National Orientation.

He made this statement at the just-concluded 25th edition of the NECCI Public Relations Roundtable held in Lagos.

The roundtable themed “The Ethics of Governance: Shaping Reputation through Public Relations.”

Minister Commends Nigeria’s Public Relations Landscape

Represented by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Minister endorsed Nigeria’s public relations landscape, which is renowned for its commitment to ethical practice.

In his goodwill message, the Minister said: “The theme could not be more relevant.

In today’s world of complex realities and rapid information flow, the link between ethical governance and national reputation has become critical.

As government communicators and stakeholders in the information ecosystem, we must continue to uphold ethics, transparency, and truth as the foundation of effective public communication.”

Acknowledging NECCI’s Role in Ethical Communication

He commended the convener, saying: “The NECCI PR Roundtable has championed ethical communication and public enlightenment.

This platform has become indispensable in shaping the standards of public relations and governance in Nigeria.”

He further added, “Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, NECCI’s founder, has, through her stewardship, created a forum for meaningful dialogue between government officials, the private sector, and communication practitioners.”

Emphasizing the Link Between Governance and National Reputation

The Minister’s message deeply underlined the intrinsic link between ethical governance and national reputation a connection growing ever more critical in today’s rapidly evolving information ecosystem.

“As government communicators, we must uphold truth, transparency, and accountability in public communications,” he noted, aligning this position with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ministry aims to reinforce public trust by promoting responsible information management and fostering a culture where integrity defines Nigeria’s national narrative.

Ethical Public Relations as the Foundation of Credibility

“Public relations, when rooted in ethics, builds credibility and influences how citizens and the world perceive governance,” he said.

He further called on communication professionals to be ambassadors of truth and integrity, ensuring their work embodies the very values that unify and inspire public confidence.

“I would like to call on all communication professionals here today to continue to be ambassadors of truth, integrity, and nation-building.

Let us ensure that our work reflects the values we seek to promote values that unify, inspire, and sustain trust in both governance and society.”