In a powerful and emotionally resonant goodwill message delivered during the Annual Marketing Conference and AGM of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, issued a clarion call to all professionals in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) space to embrace national unity and collective purpose.
“We have only one brand. That brand is Nigeria. Whether you are NIMN, ARCON, or NIPR, the brand is Nigeria,” Dr. Neliaku declared to resounding applause.
Dr. Neliaku emphasized that the time had come for communication professionals, marketers, advertisers, and public relations experts to rise above sectoral divides and work collaboratively in shaping the nation’s perception, reputation, and global standing.
According to him, while politics may influence governance, it is professionals who possess the tools to influence narratives, drive transformation, and shape national identity.
“We don’t need to be in partisan politics to influence governance. We are drivers. We are influencers. The regulators understand this, and that’s why the collaboration between NIMN, ARCON, and NIPR is not just timely, it is necessary.”
He also spotlighted the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, a high-level initiative spearheaded by NIPR to restore and build Nigeria’s reputation capital. Describing reputation as “the core asset of any individual, organization, or nation,” Dr. Neliaku warned that without reputation capital, value is diminished, if not entirely eroded.
Dr. Neliaku revealed that NIMN is a member of the Group’s Body of Advisers, which is chaired by media icon Dr. John Momoh, further underscoring the importance of marketing professionals in reputation management.
“We cannot shepherd Nigeria’s image without marketers. The role of marketing in shaping perception and behavior is non-negotiable,” he said.
As anticipation builds for Nigeria to host the World Public Relations Forum in 2026, Dr. Neliaku challenged all professionals to show the world that Nigeria is not just a country but a formidable brand worth celebrating.
“The world is watching. Let us prove that Nigeria is the best brand on earth,” he concluded.
The message struck a patriotic chord with delegates at the conference, affirming that cross-sector collaboration is not just ideal—it is imperative in redefining Nigeria’s image and positioning it for global respect and relevance.
