During a recent interview with Raheem Akingbolu, Yomi Badejo-Ogunsanya, the Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), emphasized the critical role of reputation management in advancing national development. He highlighted the strong link between corporate reputation and financial performance, indicating that these factors are equally applicable on a national scale.
Badejo-Ogunsanya, reflecting on Nigeria’s longstanding reputation challenges, stressed that effective reputation management could significantly influence the success and growth of businesses within the country. He urged stakeholders to adopt a more proactive approach, acting as ambassadors to showcase Nigeria’s potential.
As a former President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), he stated, “Just as investors scrutinize a company’s reputation before making investment decisions, the same applies to countries. A strong reputation can boost a country’s perceived value, attractive to investors, whereas a damaged reputation can hinder access to global opportunities and partnerships.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also spoke at the NRMG unveiling, affirming the federal government’s commitment to transform the global perception of Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the NRMG. He underscored that the initiative aims to highlight Nigeria’s authentic identity while showcasing its achievements and economic potential.
Leveraging the expertise of the NRMG, Idris expressed the government’s goal to amplify the diverse voices of Nigerians and celebrate the nation’s culture, innovation, and contributions on the global stage. This aligns with a vision of promoting Nigeria’s positives while fostering unity and national pride.
“The Nigeria Reputation Management Group will be instrumental in changing perceptions about our country by showcasing our true identity, achievements, strengths, and positives, while amplifying the voices of our people,” said Idris. He noted the group’s plans to establish strategic partnerships with stakeholders across various sectors, including government, private industry, civil society, media, and youth organizations, both domestically and internationally.
Idris highlighted that the NRMG, conceived by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s collective effort toward redefining its image and recognizing brand reputation as a crucial asset often overlooked when evaluating the nation’s core resources.
“As we know, a country’s brand reputation is as vital as its financial, natural, and mineral resources. Unfortunately, the intangible nature of brand reputation often leads to its underestimation in assessing a country’s assets. The NIPR aims to challenge this perspective through the NRMG,” he stated.
Speaking about the potential impacts of these initiatives, Idris noted that as positive perceptions grow, they will create a virtuous cycle, enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness and solidifying its status as a prime destination for opportunities.
He further pointed out Nigeria’s strong cultural brand, especially with music and literature, and expressed optimism that with concerted support, the nation’s films, fashion, and food sectors could achieve similar global recognition.
To build a robust foundation for Nigeria’s emerging presence on the global stage, Idris mentioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in implementing far-reaching economic reforms. These reforms aim to create a conducive environment for Nigerians to thrive and prosper, evident in recent advancements like local government autonomy, a new national minimum wage, and enhancements in agriculture and security.
Idris concluded by stating that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is taking the lead in reorienting national values through programs like the National Values Charter, designed to reinforce positive attitudes among Nigerians and improve the country’s reputation on a domestic front.
