Shettima Tasks PR Practitioners on Clarity of Govt Reforms, Policies

As Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, speaking at the 3rd Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Week in Kaduna, stressed the critical role of public relations in effective governance. He underscored that the success of President Bola Tinubu's administration hinges on the public's understanding and trust in its reforms and policies. Shettima articulated that communication must go beyond simply stating what the government is doing; it must explain the rationale and the benefits to the citizenry, ensuring policies are translated from technical jargon into relatable human meaning.

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As a government, we regard public relations as a strategic function of governance. It is integral to building trust, managing uncertainty and sustaining reform. We must communicate not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it; how it serves the public good, and what place the citizen occupies in the success of that effort.

The Vice President specifically addressed the theme of 'Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate,' emphasizing that PR professionals must connect government initiatives to the daily anxieties and realities of farmers, merchants, and families. He detailed the Tinubu administration's 'Renewed Hope Agenda' and its commitment to tackling food insecurity through measures such as a state of emergency, deployment of tractors, establishment of an agricultural fund, and strengthened partnerships.

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Governance cannot afford to be distant. Policy cannot afford to be opaque. Leadership cannot afford to speak a language the people no longer understand.

This focus on clear communication and public engagement is vital for Nigeria. In a nation where understanding and trust can be easily eroded by misinformation or opaque governance, the Vice President's call to action for PR practitioners is not just about managing perceptions, but about building a foundation of confidence for national development. The administration's proactive steps in agriculture aim to directly address the livelihoods of millions, and effective communication is the bridge that ensures these efforts are recognized and supported by the people they are designed to serve.

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President Bola Tinubu has placed feeding our nation at the heart of the nation’s economic and social agenda. We have taken bold steps to confront this challenge with the seriousness it demands. We declared a state of emergency on food insecurity.