Public Relations: A Vital Tool for Effective Governance, Expert Affirms

In a recent PR Clinic Session organized by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Effurun, Dr. Harvey Igben, Head of the Mass Communication Department at Delta State University, Abraka, highlighted the crucial role of Public Relations (PR) in nurturing good governance.

Dr. Igben emphasized that PR is a strategic communication process aimed at fostering mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their stakeholders.

He further outlined the key characteristics of good governance, which include accountability, transparency, adherence to the rule of law, fair electoral practices, cultural diversity, and protection of human rights.

According to Dr. Igben, PR professionals play a significant role in shaping public opinion, nurturing positive perceptions, influencing policy formulation, and cultivating a favorable societal image for the government.

He stressed that PR practitioners are responsible for instilling public confidence, enhancing public awareness, fostering sustainable democracy, maintaining the government’s public image, fostering responsiveness, and promoting constructive engagement.

However, the guest speaker also pointed out the challenges to effective governance, such as corruption, conflicts, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, economic challenges, and unethical behavior.

These issues can impede the progress of good governance, and it is the responsibility of PR professionals to help address these challenges.

Echoing Dr. Igben’s sentiments, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, the State Chairman of NIPR, emphasized that PR is a cornerstone of public functions and is essential for any nation’s governance.

He warned that the absence of effective PR in governance could lead to the downfall of leaders.

The NIPR PR Clinic Session served as a platform for discussing the importance of PR in fostering transparent, accountable, and responsive governance in contemporary society.

It underscored the need for strategic communication in bridging the gap between the government and its stakeholders, thereby promoting good governance and sustainable development.