NIPR, Stakeholders Say Leadership, Accountability Panacea to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for a renewed commitment to accountable leadership, ethical governance and strategic communication as critical drivers of sustainable development and national transformation in Nigeria.

The call was made during its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) Public Lecture held in Asaba on Thursday, 25th June 2026 by the Delta State Chapter.

The theme centered on: “Leadership, Accountability and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Strategic Intersection of Public Relations for National Repositioning.”

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Delta State Chapter of NIPR, Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, FNIPR, expressed delight at the impressive turnout of participants, describing the gathering as a reflection of the collective determination of stakeholders to build a stronger and more accountable nation.

According to him, the public lecture was designed to stimulate conversations capable of fostering a renewed vision for national rebirth through responsible leadership, civic engagement and the restoration of citizens’ trust in governance.

He stressed that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere where accountability is absent, noting that public relations remains a vital bridge between government and the governed.

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“Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable development begins where leadership embraces accountability and public relations becomes the bridge between governance and the trust of the people,” he stated.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, painted a vivid picture of Nigeria’s developmental challenges, describing the country as a paradox blessed with abundant natural resources and immense human capital, yet confronted by poverty, unemployment and widespread distrust.

He observed that despite the nation’s enormous potential and growing population, the desired level of socio-economic progress has remained elusive due to persistent governance deficits and weak institutional structures.

Professor Aghalino argued that Nigeria urgently requires a governance system anchored on accountability, institutional integrity and active civic participation. He urged public relations practitioners to move beyond traditional perceptions of publicity and embrace their role as nation builders, ethical communicators and advocates of development.

According to him, governance should be viewed as a stakeholder-driven process rather than one centred solely on political office holders.

He described public relations as a strategic instrument for promoting transparency, strengthening public trust and facilitating constructive dialogue between government institutions and citizens.

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“If leadership failure is a disease, strategic communication is part of the cure,” he remarked.

The Vice Chancellor further maintained that modern public relations has evolved into a strategic governance function capable of fostering understanding, enhancing policy acceptance and building confidence in public institutions.

Also speaking, Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro, Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University, emphasized that leadership entails the capacity to effectively influence people and mobilize resources towards the attainment of collective goals.

He explained that true leadership involves the formulation and implementation of policies that advance national development while ensuring that public resources are prudently managed for the benefit of citizens.

According to him, purposeful leadership must be guided by clear vision, responsibility and accountability.
“You fly because you have the capacity to carry the masses along. Leaders must be responsible and accountable,” he stated.

Professor Oghenedoro further highlighted the strategic role of public relations in promoting national consciousness, projecting a positive national image and strengthening the bond between government and the people.

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He urged practitioners to be deliberate in information management, stressing that trust remains one of the most valuable assets in governance.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Hon. Patrick Ukah, encouraged public relations practitioners to remain committed to understanding public perception and effectively communicating the intentions of those they serve.

“Know more about what people feel about who you are working for than the person itself. Today you have the yam and the knife, so you know what to do,” he said,
while commending participants for their dedication and active involvement in the AGM.

Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for State Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, applauded the leadership and members of the Delta State Chapter of NIPR for organizing what he described as a timely and impactful lecture.

He expressed confidence that the presentations, discussions, questions and contributions from participants would deepen public engagement and strengthen efforts towards promoting good governance, accountability and sustainable national development.

The event attracted public relations practitioners, academics, government officials, communication experts and stakeholders from various sectors who engaged in robust discussions on the future of governance and strategic communication in Nigeria.

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As the curtains fell on the public lecture, one message resonated across the hall: that the future of Nigeria will not be determined merely by the policies it formulates, but by the quality of leadership it nurtures, the accountability it demands and the trust it builds between government and the people.