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Daud Olatunji
A public relations consultant, Adetokunbo Modupe, has warned Nigerians against actions and statements that could further damage the country’s reputation globally, even as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Ogun State elections, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has warned that Nigeria is gradually sliding towards a totalitarian state.
Modupe and Adebutu spoke on Thursday in Abeokuta at the 2025 annual colloquium of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, themed “Leadership and Reputation: The Role of Public Relations in Building Trust in Nigeria”.
The event also honored prominent Nigerians, including the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and former first lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, for their contributions to leadership and public service.
Adebutu, who chaired the meeting, lamented that Nigeria’s political system has become hostile to dissent and plagued by greed and moral decay. He expressed concern that the country’s leaders no longer demonstrate empathy, courtesy or responsibility in governance.
> “We have lost courtesy and empathy for ourselves as a nation. We have lost conscience as a people,” he said.
“It’s sad when a country slips into the situation of ‘take it, steal it and run with it’. The fundamental principles of democracy are broken. What kind of leadership is this and what kind of reputation are we building for our nation?
The former MP said his decision to remain in the opposition party was guided by principles, stressing that democracy cannot survive without a vibrant opposition and institutional controls.
> “That’s why I stay in the party I’m in, because opposition has value. Once there is no opposition, there is no democracy and there are no checks and balances,” Adebutu said.
“Little by little, we are moving towards a totalitarian state, very sadly, because the institutions are being degraded.”
He urged journalists and public relations professionals to speak truth to power and help rebuild national trust through honest communication and ethical practice.
In his keynote address, Modupe, founder and chief consultant of TPT International Limited, described the reputation as a “national capital” that determines the respect accorded Nigerians abroad.
> “The perception of a country is reflected in the value placed on its citizens,” he said.
“If you want to know Nigeria’s reputation, look at how you are treated when you leave this country. It’s not all bad: we have both our good and bad sides. Building Nigeria’s reputation is a shared responsibility among leaders and citizens.”
Also speaking, NIPR National President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by Tope Adaramola, highlighted the urgent need to rebuild trust between leaders and the public through authentic communication, reputation management and transparency.
> “PR’s role in building trust cannot be more appropriate than now, given the disconnect between leadership and guidance,” Neliaku said.
“Our main challenge as a nation is that we have strong men and weak institutions. The NIPR is determined to become stronger than any individual or political interest.”
Earlier, Ogun State NIPR Chairman, Oluwaseun Boye, said the colloquium was aimed at refocusing the national leadership on ethical governance, transparency and trust building.
The meeting, which attracted communications professionals, politicians and academics, concluded with a call for Nigerian leaders to restore empathy, strengthen institutions and rebuild the country’s image through responsible leadership and civic discipline.
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