Industry Minister Hails New PR Book, Says Reputation Management Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has hailed the publication of Aren’t We All PR People?, describing it as a timely contribution to Nigeria’s communication profession, while declaring that reputation management is no longer the exclusive preserve of public relations practitioners but a shared responsibility of individuals, organisations and governments.
Idris stated this at the launch of Aren’t We All PR People?, a new book authored by public relations practitioner and academic, Ahmed Balarabe Sa’id, in Kaduna.
Represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Mohammed Ali, the minister described communication as a powerful force that shapes public perception, influences relationships and strengthens institutional credibility.
According to him, while everyone engages in activities that reflect elements of public relations through daily interactions, effective public relations practice demands specialised knowledge, strategic thinking, ethical conduct, discipline and accountability.
“Everyone communicates, explains themselves, persuades others and manages relationships daily. These are all, in one form or another, elements of public relations,” Idris said.
He noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms had amplified the influence of communication, making responsible information management more important than ever.
The minister stressed that government has a responsibility to create an information environment where citizens can distinguish facts from misinformation and make informed decisions about public policies.
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He identified access to credible information as essential for effective civic participation and national development, citing Nigeria’s collaboration with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen citizens’ understanding of information and improve media literacy.
Idris congratulated the author on the publication, describing the book as a valuable contribution to professional literature that simplifies public relations concepts for both practitioners and the wider public.
He encouraged communication professionals, students and aspiring practitioners to read the book, saying it would enrich their understanding of the evolving role of public relations in contemporary society.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by the Institute’s Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, described Ahmed Balarabe Sa’id as a passionate scholar and practitioner whose intellectual curiosity had continued to advance the public relations profession.
He said the publication was a timely intervention that would contribute to strengthening professional practice and expanding public appreciation of strategic communication in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the author said the book was inspired by years of mentorship, professional experience and continuous self-development.
Sa’id explained that he wrote Aren’t We All PR People? in response to the growing influence of public relations across different sectors and the increasing interest of non-professionals in understanding its principles and practice.
The book launch attracted senior government officials, communication experts, media executives, members of the NIPR Governing Council and representatives of relevant agencies and institutions.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Institutions of Higher Technical Education, Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye; former NIPR Vice President, Dr. Auwal Mohammed Haruna; Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Chairman of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun and Chairman Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Prof Sule Yau Sule.
By PRNigeria
