…Unveils Five Pillars for Rebuilding National Image
The Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) has called on citizens to reflect on the values that shape the nation’s identity as the country commemorates the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Day today, Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Chairman of NRMG, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, in a commemorative message, urged Nigerians at home and abroad to see the day as a moment of reflection, renewal, and collective responsibility in shaping the country’s image.
Quoting renowned author Chinua Achebe, he emphasized: “A people’s greatness is measured not by wealth, but by the values they uphold.”
“The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Better Nigeria, Better Reputation’, speaks to a profound truth, that the image of our country is shaped not by slogans or policies alone, but by the conduct, integrity, and values of each Nigerian,” Badejo-Okusanya stated.
He noted that national reputation is not mere perception but power, influencing how investors view the economy, how Nigerians are treated globally, and how proudly future generations identify with their homeland. “Rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation is not only about fixing systems; it is about restoring trust, strengthening character, and living with integrity,” he added.
Five Pillars for National Reputation Renewal
To guide the collective journey towards image rebuilding, NRMG unveiled five core pillars that it believes are essential to shaping a credible and respected national reputation:
Consistency – Acting with integrity at all times.
Transparency – Ensuring openness in decision-making and accountability for outcomes.
Responsibility – Owning actions and correcting missteps.
Respect – Honouring people, institutions, laws, and the environment.
Excellence – Rejecting mediocrity and striving for higher standards in all spheres.
Badejo-Okusanya urged Nigerians to embrace the #BetterNigeriaBetterReputation challenge, a national call to commit one act of integrity, live it daily, and inspire others to follow suit.
Leveraging Nigeria’s Soft Power: The M-Factor
Highlighting the role of culture in shaping global perception, NRMG identified five key drivers of Nigeria’s soft power, referred to as The M-Factor: Music, Movies, Media, Minds, and Fashion.
According to the Group, these cultural elements are “the pulse of the Nigerian story, vibrant, expressive, and deeply human.”
Music represents the rhythm of resilience, turning challenges into chants and hope into harmony. Movies serve as both mirror and megaphone, projecting truth, humour, and courage globally.
Media shapes narratives and trust through the stories it tells. Minds refer to Nigeria’s thinkers, innovators, and reformers, the conscience behind creativity. Fashion embodies cultural identity, blending pride with purpose.
“When The M-Factor aligns with integrity, Nigeria becomes unstoppable. Let our music carry dignity, our films inspire, our media amplify truth, our fashion express pride, and our minds lead with conscience,” the Chairman declared.
A New National Tradition
NRMG announced that Nigeria Reputation Day will be celebrated annually on October 15, serving as a national reminder that integrity and reputation are the bedrock of progress.
“Our national image will not be defined by headlines alone, but by the quiet consistency of millions choosing what is right. This day should mark a turning point for us as a people,” Badejo-Okusanya stated.
He expressed NRMG’s readiness to collaborate with public and private stakeholders to lead advocacy, drive behavioural change, and protect Nigeria’s national character.
About NRMG
The Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) is a private sector-led initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Its mandate is to champion national advocacy, research, public enlightenment, and behavioural reorientation efforts towards rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation and strengthening national character.
