Public relations experts, government officials and industry leaders have highlighted that reputation management and strategic communication are critical for national development, particularly during crises. The insight came during the Strategic Engagement Session of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Enugu State Chapter, held at the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) headquarters, where stakeholders called for proactive communication and trust-building across sectors.
The session, themed “Reputation Management and National Development in a Crisis Situation: The Nigerian Perspectives”, offered a platform for cross-sector dialogue on rebuilding public trust, enhancing institutional credibility, and strengthening communication systems in the electricity sector and beyond.
Dr Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director/CEO of MainPower Electricity Distribution Company, described the Electricity Act 2023 as “one of the most transformational reforms since privatisation,” stressing that its success depends on clear, citizen-focused engagement. He highlighted rising public mistrust, miscommunication, and growing community demands, revealing that MainPower will hold targeted stakeholder sessions, including an upcoming engagement in Ugwaji, to bridge information gaps and improve accountability.
In his keynote address, Prof. Silba Ifeanyichukwu Uzochukwu defined public relations as “a deliberate effort to build goodwill based on mutual understanding,” emphasising that effective PR must be evidence-based, reciprocal, and rooted in accountability. He warned that poor leadership, inconsistent service delivery, and a weak communication culture often trigger reputational crises.
Dr Ilo Chinedu, Chairman of NIPR Enugu, linked the discussions to Nigeria’s broader reputational challenges, including economic, security, and political issues exacerbated by misinformation. He stressed that only certified PR professionals should manage public communication, reinforcing NIPR’s commitment to professionalising the sector and safeguarding public trust.
Other speakers, including Mr Ifeanyi Onah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, urged the full implementation of the Information and Public Relations Officer cadre framework to deepen professionalism in government institutions.
Participants resolved to adopt structured reputation frameworks prioritising transparency, accountability, and proactive stakeholder engagement. They also endorsed appointing certified NIPR professionals to lead communication functions, strengthening crisis communication systems, and launching the statewide Rebuild Trust Campaign to promote ethics, accountability and citizen engagement.
The session concluded with commitments to sustained training programmes, institutional partnerships, and initiatives aimed at measurable improvements in public confidence and service delivery.
Olusola Akintonde