Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has announced that engaging stakeholders at work field is vital to the development of any giving organization and foster partnerships to leverage collective strengths, overcome challenges and avoid working at cross- purposes to ensure progress towards achieving targeted goals of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Rivers State Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku who was represented by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, hinted on the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure projects meet people’s needs and that government initiatives succeed.
According to Ogbuku, the theme of the NIPR Week, “Refocusing Stakeholder Engagement And Public Trust In A Challenging Economy,” aligns with the Commission’s goal of building public trust through transparent and collaborative engagement.
“We realize that it is crucial to build trust with all partners to get their buy-in and win their confidence. In this respect, we have established processes to ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, is in place.
“We are working with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, which has reviewed our processes to strengthen our corporate governance system. We now have a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency, backed by a clear and measurable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward goals”, he stated.
Also, he mentioned that the collaboration was in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, adding that the move prioritizes carrying stakeholders along in the development process.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Nigerian Institute Of Public Relations (NIPR), Rev. Francis Asuk, stated that peacebuilding and good governance are dependant on strategic communications; while he regretted that public trust is eroding across Nigeria and indeed the world.
“The time has come for our leaders, both in government and the private sector, to engage professional public relations practitioners in managing and communicating through sensitive issues. The expertise of PR professionals in stakeholder mapping, perception management, conflict resolution, and narrative framing can make a crucial difference in restoring confidence, bridging divides, and shaping a more stable and progressive Rivers State.
“Economic challenges, misinformation, and institutional fatigue have tested the resilience of governments, businesses, and communities alike. In such a time, the role of the public relations professional becomes indispensable to rebuild confidence, restore truth, and facilitate transparent engagement that drives collective progress.”
By Aligwe Stella, Port Harcourt