Image challenges: Nigeria overplays its negative sides – NOA

A lot of negative things happen in various countries but Nigerians appear to overplay their greatest challenges while neglecting to celebrate the positive sides, a situation that has affected its brand positioning in international circles.

This is why Mike Omeri, director-general, National Orientation Agency (NOA), is in support of the initiative by the Federal Government to celebrate Nigeria’s Centenary to play up the nation’s milestones.

“The Centenary celebration will offer a unique opportunity for us to take a well thought-out walk down memory lane with a view to identifying the intrinsic values which our fore-bears identified and which made it possible for them to make progress hand-in-hand in spite of their political, religious and tribal differences,” Omeri said, while speaking recently at the induction of new members into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Lagos.

He said notwithstanding the country’s struggles and challenges, “Nigeria is privileged to attain 100 years as a united nation. Not many nations in Africa or indeed the world have been this privileged. It is indeed an epoch worthy of celebration by Nigerians and lovers of our great nation.

“Government believes that the Centenary celebration presents an opportunity to count Nigeria’s blessings, celebrate its dexterity and resilience as a people and resolve to launch into the next century with renewed determination, hope and expectation.”

Also speaking at the induction ceremony, Mohammed Abdullahi, president, NIPR, regretted that a chunk of quacks parade themselves as public relations practitioners in Nigeria with embarrassing implications for the profession’s reputation. He however commended the new members for going through the process of accreditation and warned that “the profession does not tolerate quackery or indiscipline.”