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Chief Edem Duke
By Akpan David, Calabar
A former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke has called on public relations practitioners in both public and private sectors to see the task of polishing up the negative image of Nigeria as their major task.
He made the call when members of the Cross River State chapter of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) called on him in Calabar.
Duke said the greatest challenge of Nigeria as a people is the global perception of her as one of the most corrupt countries in Africa and in the world.
He said “The biggest task before you, whether you are in the private or public sector, is how to change the negative perception of Nigeria in the comity of nations.
“It is your responsibility and ours to work at positioning Nigeria as not just the biggest economy on the continent of Africa but also as a country that plays prominent role in the advancement of world peace and in the advancement of science, technologies and sports.
He emphasised that Public Relations is a major building block to the achievement of several other aspirations of Nigeria as a country and ultimately in citizens.
Speaking earlier, state chairman of NIPR, Benedict Onah Okache said they are focusing on professionalising the trade in the State and sought supports and cooperation of all stakeholders.
“One of the ways to professionalise PR practice in the State is to bring all those who are performing the functions of Public Relations in one way or the other but not certified on board to be licensed. We will educate them about the consequences as backed up by provisions of the law against those practicing PR without due certification.
He called for mentorship of veterans so that younger practitioners can learn and represent the profession well like they had done in the past.
