Kano NIPR Lecture Stresses Quality Leadership as Key to National Reputation
Communication scholars and public relations practitioners have underscored the critical importance of quality leadership in enhancing a nation’s reputation. This emphasis emerged during a quarterly professional development lecture organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kano Chapter.
The keynote address, “Leadership and Reputation Management in a Challenging Period,” was delivered by Prof. Mustapha N. Malam, a former NIPR Registrar and current Senior Lecturer at Bayero University Kano (BUK).
Prof. Malam emphasized the profound impact of leadership on societal transformation, highlighting that it involves a blend of vision, decisive action, influence, and accountability. He drew on historical examples, contrasting transformative leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela with figures like Adolf Hitler and Idi Amin, demonstrating the dual impact of leadership – to either accelerate progress or plunge nations into crisis.
Focusing on Nigeria, Prof. Malam acknowledged the nation’s persistent struggle with quality leadership since independence, hindering its development aspirations. He attributed this to a lack of people-centric leadership, coupled with poor governance practices such as corruption and dysfunctional economic policies.
He further emphasized the importance of reputation management for nations, citing examples of countries like Canada, Singapore, and the UAE that have leveraged positive reputations to attract investment and achieve global acclaim. Conversely, nations with poor reputations, such as Venezuela and Somalia, face significant barriers to development.
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Prof. Malam outlined the essential traits of effective leaders, including self-confidence, strong communication skills, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability in today’s evolving world. He stressed the importance of fostering team growth, embracing change, and maintaining open communication with followers to strengthen organizational cohesion and navigate crises effectively.
He also addressed current challenges facing Nigeria, including the impact of fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, escalating unemployment, and ongoing security issues. These challenges, coupled with the government’s perceived lavish spending amidst economic hardship, have fueled public dissatisfaction and tarnished the nation’s reputation.
Prof. Malam concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritize people-oriented leadership and focus on enhancing its national reputation for sustainable development. He called for an integrated approach to leadership and governance that prioritizes public welfare and reputation enhancement as strategic goals.
Other discussants, including Dr. Sule Yau Sule, a NIPR Council Member, Mr. Yushau Shuaib of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, and ACC Abdullahi Maiwada of the Nigerian Customs Service, contributed to the discourse. These public relations experts emphasized the need for leaders at all levels to demonstrate strong character, build trust, lead by example, foster a positive culture, and actively engage with stakeholders to maintain a positive reputation. They stressed the importance of proactive reputation management in the digital age, where social media significantly influences public perception.
Alhaji Aliyu Yusuf, Chairman of the NIPR Kano Chapter, highlighted the significance of the quarterly public relations lecture as a platform for members to stay updated on industry trends, enhance their professional skills, and foster valuable connections within the industry.
The lecture served as a potent reminder that leadership and reputation are crucial for building national strength, public trust, and global recognition. Prof. Malam’s insights provided valuable guidance for navigating Nigeria’s path towards realizing its full potential.
By PRNigeria
