• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs Takes Anti-Money Laundering Fight to the Skies

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

      Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CG Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO…

  • National
    • ASUU

      “No Pay, No Work”: ASUU Orders Members to Commence Nationwide Strike

      Nigerian Navy's newest landing ship tank launched in Sharjah, UAE.

      From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as…

      Police Officer

      Police Bust Kidnapping, Cult Gangs, Arrest 8 Suspects, Recover Weapons

      Shittu Yunus Shittu

      Can Nigeria Lead Africa’s AI Revolution? By Shittu Yunus Shittu

      162 years of the Nigerian Army celebrations

      The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years…

    • Government
      • ASUU

        “No Pay, No Work”: ASUU Orders Members to Commence Nationwide Strike

        NPF Champions Regional Security Collaboration as IGP Attends 13th AFRIPOL Meeting…

        At BRICS Summits, Tinubu Pushes for Equality in Global Finance, Health…

        Tinubu conference centre generates N700m in 3 weeks – Wike

        Soldiers

        Soldiers, forest guards to tackle insecurity in Kwara State

  • Security
    • Nigerian Navy's newest landing ship tank launched in Sharjah, UAE.

      From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as…

      NPF Champions Regional Security Collaboration as IGP Attends 13th AFRIPOL Meeting…

      Police Officer

      Police Bust Kidnapping, Cult Gangs, Arrest 8 Suspects, Recover Weapons

      NDLEA Logo

      NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Farms, Seizes 345kg of Drugs, Arrests 37 Suspects…

      NAF Airstrikes, NAF Air, NAF jets

      Scores of Terrorists Eliminated as NAF Bombs Boko Haram Camps in…

  • Features
    • Nigerian Navy's newest landing ship tank launched in Sharjah, UAE.

      From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as…

      What Life Really Looks Like for Nigerians Battling Sickle Cell, By…

      Shittu Yunus Shittu

      Can Nigeria Lead Africa’s AI Revolution? By Shittu Yunus Shittu

      162 years of the Nigerian Army celebrations

      The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years…

      From SDP to ADA to ADC: Can the New Opposition Coalition…

  • State
    • NPF Champions Regional Security Collaboration as IGP Attends 13th AFRIPOL Meeting…

      NDLEA Logo

      NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Farms, Seizes 345kg of Drugs, Arrests 37 Suspects…

      NAF Airstrikes, NAF Air, NAF jets

      Scores of Terrorists Eliminated as NAF Bombs Boko Haram Camps in…

      Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA

      Troops Foil Coordinated Bandits Attacks, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Katsina

      The suspected notorious Militia member

      Troops Nab Notorious Militia, Recover Weapons in Plateau State

  • Event
    • Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo

      47 Years of Excellence: Honoring Asiwaju Awomolo, SAN

      NCoS inmates

      58 Inmates in Kano Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, Thanks to…

      Troops of the Nigerian Army giving a salute

      162nd Anniversary: Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Army, Hails Troops as Guardians of…

      President & Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku

      NIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE…

      SCN NGO signs partnership with PRNIGERIA

      SCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features Rewriting the Narrative: How PR Can Help Combat Corruption in Nigeria
  • Features

Rewriting the Narrative: How PR Can Help Combat Corruption in Nigeria

By
Ishola Ayodele
-
August 19, 2024
Ishola Ayodele, Columnist Spokesperson's Digest
Ishola Ayodele, Columnist Spokesperson's Digest

Rewriting the Narrative: How PR Can Help Combat Corruption in Nigeria
By Ishola Ayodele

“A child is neither born a saint nor a criminal, he is born into what society makes him to be” Ishola Ayodele

The recent scandal involving the National Hajj Commission (NAHCO) over the mismanagement of a N90 billion subsidy for the Hajj pilgrimage has brought to light systemic corruption issues within the organization. Allegations of mismanagement, favoritism, and lack of transparency have raised concerns about the integrity of NAHCO. This case reflects how corruption is deeply embedded in cultural norms and social practices in Nigeria, affecting both public conduct and institutional integrity. In this article, I will analyze the cultural factors that perpetuate corruption in Nigeria and explore how public relations (PR) strategies can drive meaningful change to address these deeply rooted issues.

Cultural Factors Driving Corruption
1. Normalization of Corruption
In Nigeria, corruption is often normalized through practices that prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations. Communities frequently accept financial handouts from politicians, which reinforces the notion that personal benefit from public figures is a norm rather than an exception. This acceptance extends to the awarding of chieftaincy titles based on financial status rather than community service or ethical behaviour. Even religious institutions are not immune, with financial contributions sometimes overshadowing moral qualifications.
Studies have shown that such practices foster a culture of impunity where ethical norms are compromised in favour of material wealth. This societal attitude is reflected in the celebration of ostentatious wealth, such as showcasing a luxury car without regard for the source of the wealth. Such behaviours not only normalize corruption but also undermine societal values that emphasize integrity and hard work.

2. Cultural Implications and Challenges
The normalization of corruption is often supported by cultural adages that reflect a shift from traditional values. The proverb “the society prepares the crime and the child commits it” illustrates how societal norms predispose individuals to corrupt behaviour. The current focus on material wealth and social status undermines traditional African values of hard work, integrity, and brotherliness. Proverbial wisdom such as “Good name is better than gold and silver” and “Work is the cure for poverty” underscores a cultural ethos that values ethical conduct over superficial success.
This shift is problematic as it erodes the foundational principles of honesty and diligence that traditionally guided Nigerian society. The erosion of these values contributes significantly to the persistence of corruption and inefficiency within public institutions.

How PR Can Facilitate Change in Addressing Corruption
1. Reorienting Public Perception
A. Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Public relations can reshape societal attitudes toward corruption by promoting transparency and accountability. Effective PR strategies should educate the public on the negative consequences of corruption and highlight ethical behaviour. By sharing compelling narratives of individuals and institutions that demonstrate integrity, PR campaigns can challenge and change existing norms.

B. Success Stories and Role Models
Showcasing success stories of organizations and individuals who combat corruption is a powerful approach. Continuous efforts to highlight the tangible benefits of ethical practices through media, community outreach, and education can inspire long-term change.

C. Leveraging Media and Community Engagement
Engaging various media channels and community leaders is crucial to reinforcing the value of ethical behaviour. By amplifying messages about integrity and transparency at the grassroots level, PR professionals can ensure these values resonate widely.

2. Engaging the Youth
A. Empowering the Next Generation
The youth are essential in the fight against corruption, as they represent future leaders and change-makers. PR strategies should focus on educating young people about accountability and ethical behaviour through school and university campaigns.

Read Also:

  • “No Pay, No Work”: ASUU Orders Members to Commence Nationwide Strike
  • From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as a Force for National and Continental Stability By Musa Ilallah
  • NPF Champions Regional Security Collaboration as IGP Attends 13th AFRIPOL Meeting in Algeria

B. Educational Campaigns and Workshops
Programs like Transparency International’s “Youth Against Corruption” can be adapted to the Nigerian context, using educational workshops and media campaigns that incorporate local cultural elements and youth influencers to foster civic duty and ethical conduct.

C. Celebrating Integrity
PR campaigns should highlight and celebrate young individuals who exemplify integrity, showcasing them through media features, awards, and public recognition. This can serve as powerful motivation for others to embrace ethical behaviour.

3. Promoting Ethical Leadership
Public relations can promote ethical leadership by highlighting leaders who demonstrate integrity and resist corruption. Campaigns should emphasize how ethical leadership contributes to organizational success and community well-being, providing concrete examples that encourage others to follow suit.

4. Establishing a Reward System
A. Rewarding Integrity
A reward system can incentivize ethical behaviour and deter corruption by recognizing honesty and integrity across all sectors, including civil service, political office, and uniformed public officers. Formal awards, public recognition, and career advancement opportunities for individuals who demonstrate integrity can serve as powerful incentives to promote ethical conduct. A good example is the Singapore’s National Courtesy Campaign.
Singapore’s National Courtesy Campaign:
Singapore’s National Courtesy Campaign, launched in 1979, aimed to promote kindness, respect, and courtesy among citizens. A key element was the National Courtesy Award, which honoured individuals displaying exceptional courtesy, serving as role models. The campaign significantly influenced social behaviour, embedding courtesy into Singapore’s national identity and contributing to its reputation as an orderly society. Its success led to the creation of the Singapore Kindness Movement, which continues to promote these values.

B. Community Contributions and Services
Rewarding community members for their contributions and services can also foster a culture of integrity. Communities should create mechanisms to honour individuals who make significant positive impacts through their service and contributions to local development. This not only promotes ethical behaviour but also encourages others to contribute positively. A good example is Rwanda’s Umuganda Initiative.
The Umuganda Initiative
“Umuganda,” meaning “coming together in common purpose,” is a traditional Rwandan practice reintroduced in 1998 to aid post-genocide rebuilding. Observed on the last Saturday of each month as a National Day of Community service, citizens unite to work on community projects. The government recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributions, with achievements broadcast on national media. This recognition has been vital in promoting a culture of collective responsibility, national pride, and integrity in Rwanda.

C. Distancing from Corrupt Practices
Friends and family should play a role in distancing themselves from individuals whose sources of wealth are questionable or illegal. This social pressure can act as a deterrent to engaging in corrupt activities. PR campaigns can educate communities about the importance of ethical standards and encourage them to support individuals who uphold these values.

CONCLUSION
Public relations can play a transformative role in combating corruption by reshaping societal norms and promoting transparency. Through targeted PR efforts, public perception can be altered to emphasize the harmful effects of corruption and encourage a culture of ethical behavior. Engaging the youth is essential, as PR can inspire them to demand higher standards and take an active role in fighting corruption.
Additionally, promoting ethical leadership and implementing a reward system for integrity are vital strategies. By celebrating leaders who resist corruption and setting high standards, PR reinforces the value of honesty. Recognizing and rewarding ethical behavior can cultivate a culture where integrity is celebrated and expected.
Ultimately, transforming corruption into integrity requires collective action and a shared vision, with PR guiding society toward a future where honesty and transparency thrive.

*Ishola, N. Ayodele the author of ‘PR Case Studies; Mastering the Trade,’ and Dean, the School of Impactful Communication (TSIC). [email protected]

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • National Hajj Commission
Previous articleAfter arrest, Vietnam-bound businessman excretes 88 wraps of cocaine
Next articleA Twist of Fate: NYSC Experience Brings People Together Through Kindness
Ishola Ayodele
Ishola Ayodele
Xing

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Nigerian Navy's newest landing ship tank launched in Sharjah, UAE.

From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as a Force for National and Continental Stability By Musa Ilallah

What Life Really Looks Like for Nigerians Battling Sickle Cell, By Hafsat Ibrahim

Shittu Yunus Shittu

Can Nigeria Lead Africa’s AI Revolution? By Shittu Yunus Shittu

162 years of the Nigerian Army celebrations

The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years of the Nigerian Army By Olayemi Esan

From SDP to ADA to ADC: Can the New Opposition Coalition Unseat Tinubu in 2027?

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR

Adeniyi: Lifting Nigeria to the Pinnacle of Global Customs Authority

Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk Bala

NYSC Corps Members in Camp

The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Domestic Violence

Marriage and the Silent Wounds Within Homes By Hafsat Ibrahim

FutureMap Foundation Sparks Innovation with Design Thinking in Nigeria

The Nigerian Army @162: A Testament to Sacrifice and National Unity By Sani Kukasheka Usman

Recent Posts

  • “No Pay, No Work”: ASUU Orders Members to Commence Nationwide Strike
  • From Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as a Force for National and Continental Stability By Musa Ilallah
  • NPF Champions Regional Security Collaboration as IGP Attends 13th AFRIPOL Meeting in Algeria
  • Nigeria Customs Takes Anti-Money Laundering Fight to the Skies
  • What Life Really Looks Like for Nigerians Battling Sickle Cell, By Hafsat Ibrahim
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
"No Pay, No Work": ASUU Orders Members to Commence Nationwide StrikeFrom Lake Chad to the Atlantic: The Nigerian Navy’s Rise as a Force for National and Continental Stability By Musa IlallahNPF Champions Regional Security Collaboration as IGP Attends 13th AFRIPOL Meeting in AlgeriaNigeria Customs Takes Anti-Money Laundering Fight to the SkiesWhat Life Really Looks Like for Nigerians Battling Sickle Cell, By Hafsat IbrahimPolice Bust Kidnapping, Cult Gangs, Arrest 8 Suspects, Recover WeaponsNDLEA Destroys Cannabis Farms, Seizes 345kg of Drugs, Arrests 37 Suspects in EdoGroup Condemns Amaechi’s Comment as Inciteful, DangerousScores of Terrorists Eliminated as NAF Bombs Boko Haram Camps in Mandara MountainsTroops Foil Coordinated Bandits Attacks, Rescue Kidnap Victims in KatsinaNAF Airstrikes Crush Terrorist Camps in Mandara Mountains, Kill Senior JAS FightersAt BRICS Summits, Tinubu Pushes for Equality in Global Finance, Health SystemsTroops Nab Notorious Militia, Recover Weapons in Plateau StateCan Nigeria Lead Africa’s AI Revolution? By Shittu Yunus ShittuTinubu to Troops: You Have My Full Backing to Crush Terrorists, Separatists
X whatsapp