Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to lead a nationwide rebranding campaign that will reshape global perception of Nigeria and position the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Speaking during a dinner at the Government House in Uyo in honour of NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku and the Institute’s Council members, who are in the state for the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Governor Eno said it was time for Nigeria to shift its storytelling paradigm and focus on development-driven narratives rather than persistent negativity.
“NIPR is a powerful tool in nation branding. You must help us tell Nigeria’s story in a way that inspires confidence and drives investment. Investors are not attracted to chaos, they’re attracted to growth, innovation, and potential. That is the Nigeria we must showcase,” Eno said.
The governor decried the dominance of bad news in media coverage and urged professionals in public relations and journalism to reframe the narrative. “In Nigeria, ‘breaking news’ is almost always bad news. We must flip that script. Let’s make breaking news about progress, innovation, and opportunity,” he stated.
He also appealed for a culture shift in how public figures and leaders are portrayed, stressing the importance of encouragement over constant criticism. “Leadership is a tough job. When leaders get it right, we should amplify it. When they don’t, we should correct them respectfully. This balance fosters sincerity and motivates performance,” he added.
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Eno commended the NIPR for championing professionalism in public relations and assured the Institute of his administration’s continued support. He highlighted several economic transformation projects in Akwa Ibom, particularly in tourism, designed to make the state a premier travel destination in Nigeria.
“In two years, Akwa Ibom will boast a robust tourism experience from the historic Lord Lugard House to the revitalized Slave Trade Route, and our soon-to-be-completed International Conference Centre and luxury hotel. Our government is intentional about turning the state into a tourism powerhouse, just as we are growing Ibom Air into Nigeria’s leading airline,” Eno said.
In his remarks, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku praised Governor Eno’s people-centered leadership and bold infrastructure initiatives. He described the ARISE Agenda, a five-point development blueprint covering Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security, and Education/Health—as a forward-thinking model that puts citizens first.
Dr. Neliaku also applauded Eno’s vision to convert a 70-hectare gully erosion site into a world-class tourist hub, promising to amplify these achievements both locally and internationally. “Governor Eno’s development strategy is not only visionary, it is transformative. Nigeria needs more leaders with such clarity of purpose,” he said.