Customs CG calls for renewed commitment, deliberate effort to strengthen Nation’s reputation

By Abiodun OBA

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for a renewed commitment and deliberate effort to strengthen the country’s reputation to yield the right results.

CG Adeniyi made the call in his acceptance speech as Chairman of the Group during his inauguration ceremony, and other Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) fellows into the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG).

While assuring the institute and stakeholders across the nation to ensure that the objectives of the initiative are achieved, he called on governments, individuals, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian project to prioritize reputation matters.

Adeniyi said: “The global perception of Nigeria is poor and the impact of this is heavily felt in the nation’s economy. I believe that a renewed commitment and deliberate effort to strengthen the country’s reputation will yield the right results.”

He said that every reputational error, whether from individuals, organizations, or the government, distorts development, impacts our global outlook and rating, and hinders progress.

Adeniyi, who is the Chairman of the newly inaugurated 23-member Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), urges members to continue to accord priority attention and seriousness to this committee to achieve the set goals.

He added, “I believe renewed commitment and deliberate effort to strengthen the country’s reputation will yield positive results. The success of this initiative will give a major boost to the relevance of the Institute; hence, no efforts should be spared. On behalf of my team members of the Committee.

“I accept this responsibility to serve as the Chairman, NIPR Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) Committee because I know the enormous value this project will add to our country, Nigeria.”

Adeniyi expressed concern that many African nations, including Nigeria, have not fully recognized the power of reputation in transforming their economies.

In his address, the Director-General for Voice of Nigeria, Jubrin Baba Ndace, stressed the importance of truthfulness in telling Nigeria’s stories.

He acknowledged that while Nigeria is not perfect, it is not the worst in the world, and their commitment is to honestly portray the nation’s narrative.

Also speaking, President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), DR. Ike Neliaku, emphasized the need to revamp Nigeria’s reputation in light of the current challenges.

He underscored the significance of the committee’s establishment in achieving this objective, said: “The group should advise the NIPR Council regularly on matters of national reputation; curate relevant information materials and content on Nigeria’s Reputation and deploy same appropriately in line with the NRMG initiative; and undertake assignments of the Committee in a manner that will attract professional value, reputational value, and financial value to the Institute.”

Others in the 23-member group included: a former Foreign Minister of State, Ambassador Zubairu Dada; President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Yomi Badejo Okusanya as members; Prof. Kate Omenugha, former Commissioner for Education, Anambra State; Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Principal Consultant, NECCI Consulting; Amb. Dr. Tope Ade Elias-Fatile; fdc Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hajia Lami Tumaka, Chairman of The Blue Economy Nigeria Ltd and Prof. Tonnie Iredia, Chairman, Tonnie Iredia Centre for Media Advocacy.

Others include Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigerian Airlines; Dr Peter Ademu-Ette, CEO, Enentis Communication; Dr Alice Ajeh, Ex-Shell Petroleum Company; Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director, Development Spec Academy; Mr. Franklyn Ginger-Eke, Founder/Chief Strategist, The Rainbow Strategy; Mr. Uzoma Onyegbadue, Registrar, NIPR and Mr. Jubril Baba Ndache, Director General, Voice of Nigeria.

Other members are Chief Moji Makanjuola, CEO/Founder, International Society of Media in Public Health & Development; Mr. Adetokunboh Modupe, MD/CEO, TPT International; Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman, C&F Porter Novelli; Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, Head of Corporate Communications Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited; Mr. John Eboseyi Ehiguese, Founder and CEO of Mediacraft Associates Limited; Chief Uche Nworah, PhD, and Barr. John Aji, Esq., Partner, Rightangle PR.