Expert Invokes Ijaw Truth Principle, Igbo Unity in Call to Rebuild Nigeria’s Image
Dr. Dakuku Peterside has urged Nigerians to draw on indigenous values of truth, unity and integrity to rebuild the country’s reputation, warning against presenting failures as successes.
Peterside, a leadership architect, public policy professional and turnaround expert, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigeria Reputation Day, organised virtually by the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) on October 15, with the theme “Own the Narrative: Shaping Nigeria’s Reputation Together.”
He urged Nigerians to embrace the Ijaw principle of hearing and consistently telling the truth, the Yoruba Omoluabi values of integrity and good character, and the Igbo principle of “Igwe bu ike,” which emphasises strength in unity.
According to him, Nigeria’s reputation cannot improve through image promotion alone but must be supported by credible actions, responsible leadership and institutions that deliver quality public services.
He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth and accountability in their work, warning that they must not sacrifice facts to protect the image of individuals, institutions or government.
Peterside warned that fake news and deepfake videos were complicating reputation management, particularly in the digital space where misleading content can spread faster than verified information.
He called on public relations and communication professionals to understand the changing digital environment, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence, and incorporate it into their strategies for content production and reputation management.
The public policy expert said building Nigeria’s image should be a continuous national responsibility rather than the duty of government alone. He identified leaders, the media, businesses, entertainers and ordinary citizens as stakeholders whose conduct and decisions can either strengthen or damage the country’s reputation.
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Peterside also urged public relations practitioners to uphold professional standards, acknowledge failures and present facts honestly, rather than portray poor performance as success.
He said Nigeria had considerable talent and potential but needed to build a country whose institutions, leadership and citizens’ conduct justified the reputation it sought to project internationally.
He further called on the NRMG to develop common standards for crisis communication, noting that consistent and credible communication was important to how Nigeria responds to challenges and engages domestic and international audiences.
Peterside emphasised that the country’s reputation would depend on the alignment between what Nigerians profess and what they demonstrate through their actions, urging citizens to take collective responsibility for shaping a more credible national narrative.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Advisory Body of the NRMG, Dr. John Momoh, said Nigeria’s reputation must reflect both the country’s challenges and its achievements.
He acknowledged concerns over insecurity, corruption, economic hardship and declining public trust, but urged Nigerians to recognise the country’s progress, talent and resilience.
Momoh said owning Nigeria’s narrative did not mean concealing its problems or relying on polished statements to create a favourable image. Rather, he explained, the country must pursue an honest, evidence-based approach that addresses its shortcomings while showcasing genuine achievements and the experiences of Nigerians at home and abroad.
He called on government institutions, businesses, the media, creative professionals and citizens to take collective responsibility for shaping the country’s reputation.
While urging public institutions to demonstrate competence and accountability, he challenged journalists and communication professionals to prioritise truth over rumours, particularly amid the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation.
By PRNigeria
