How Reputation Can Foster Development, Boost Investment for Nigeria – NRMG
The Chairman of the Nigerian Reputation Management Group (NRMG), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, has emphasized the crucial role of reputation management in driving national development and attracting investment to Nigeria.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on TVC News recently, monitored by Spokesperson’s digest, Mr. Badejo-Okusanya, a former president of the African Public Relations Association, said that a nation’s reputation directly affects its financial and infrastructural growth.
He cited examples such as Dubai and Singapore, noting that their strong reputations have attracted massive foreign investments.
“There is a correlation between a good reputation and investment. If there is a lack of growth, infrastructure or investment, somewhere in the mix, a poor reputation is at play,” he stated.
Mr. Badejo-Okusanya lamented the years Nigeria’s image has been left unattended, saying the “reputation gate” has remained unmanned, allowing negative narratives to thrive.
According to him, the NRMG was established as a private-sector-driven initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to sustainably manage the country’s image, engage stakeholders, and promote value reorientation.
“One of our major goals is to awaken national consciousness about the importance of Nigeria’s image. We want everyone—private citizens, businesses, government institutions—to take ownership and become salesmen of Nigeria’s potential,” he said.
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He announced that October 15 has been declared Nigeria Reputation Day, with plans to hold an annual Reputation Summit that will bring together key players and influencers to discuss strategies for enhancing the country’s image both locally and internationally.
Among NRMG’s key initiatives are the development of a Nigeria Reputation Charter, the identification of Reputation Champions—individuals who have positively represented Nigeria globally—and the release of an Annual Reputation Report.
The group, he said, will also run on a taskforce system, with workgroups dedicated to strategy, advocacy, events, policy and other core areas.
Mr. Badejo-Okusanya further urged Nigerians at home and abroad to get involved. “If you don’t like Nigeria’s current image, come and join us. Reputation building starts with all of us, not just the government,” he added.
Meanwhile, in his second role as Chairman of the Nigeria Public Relations Week, Mr. Badejo-Okusanya revealed that this year’s PR Week will hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from May 19 to 24.
Themed “Solid Minerals: A Solid Path to Nigeria’s Economic Recovery,” the event will feature conferences, workshops, youth engagements, cultural displays, and keynotes from public figures including Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
He concluded with a call for value reorientation and national pride. “We must all remember whose children we are—our founding fathers built this nation, and we cannot afford to drop the ball. Let us put reputation first,” he said.
NRMG’s new slogan, “Reputation First,” is set to drive its message across government agencies, private sectors, and theNigerian diaspora.
By PRNigeria
