By Mohammed Dahiru Lawal
“Dahiru how are you?” the receiver on the different finish of the decision inquired softly in response to my greetings as quickly as my boss Alhaji Yushau Shuaib handed the telephone to me as we discover our approach via the town middle, heading to Al-Furqan Mosque in Nassarawa GRA for a marriage fatiha.
With the harmattan chilly slowly subsiding and a barely hazy ambiance surrounding the cloud, the traditional metropolis of Kano bustled with bikes, automobiles and its iconic yellow colored “Adaidaita Sahu” (business tricycles) interchangeably looking for a superb bearing as they navigate via the busy late morning site visitors partly brought on by ongoing development works by the state authorities in some key areas significantly the Kofar Dan agundi space and maybe the array of wedding ceremony ceremonies taking place within the metropolis that day – it appeared like virtually half of the households are both marrying into or giving out a hand in marriage.
“Sir, I’ve been keenly following your strategy, engagements, interventions on burning nationwide points and I’ve come to persuade myself that we haven’t had an data Minister such as you within the historical past of this nation who could be very skilled and extremely accountable in managing points,” I stated to him, not as a result of I felt compelled to flatter him, however as a result of I genuinely really feel so.
“Allah sarki, Allah sarki, na gode, thanks,” he stated appreciatively. The standard of his character and humility virtually beaming via the telephone. Alhaji took again the telephone, had a short chit chat, hung up as we continued our onward journey amidst the dissection of topical nationwide points. The person on the opposite finish of the decision was none aside from the Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mallam Muhammad Idris (Malagi).
With the durations surrounding the Yuletide evoking a way of nostalgia, heat and sensitivity, staying again in Kano with a view to returning to Abuja within the new yr, I had hoped to get pleasure from my life within the vacation season and even take out time to go to outdated household mates, reconnect and refresh earlier than feeling able to tackle the problem posed by the yr 2025.
Haven enterprise some native and worldwide journeys and fascinating in varied actions and assignments with out a breather, within the final ember months of 2024 I believed I deserved a befitting two weeks uninterrupted interval of rejuvenation throughout the vacation.
Regardless that I knew Journalists are imagined to be on obligation on a regular basis, regardless of any supposed “time-off” as a result of the information by no means takes a break, deadlines don’t care about holidays and the general public should continuously be told, I had satisfied myself that I’ll have no less than a semblance of what appeared like a vacation after efficiently conducting the PRNigeria Younger Communication Fellowship and the third Version of the Arewa Stars Award and Convention, however did I? Your guess is nearly as good as mine.
Nevertheless, that’s not the crux of this piece. Earlier than leaving the home this devoted morning and driving over the busy Kano site visitors, I’ve obtained through WhatsApp an on demand video clip that aired on the Nigerian Tv Authourity (NTA), from my pal and colleagues, Salis Supervisor. The media content material aptly titled, “the journey on tax reform,” was of two segments, the primary being an in depth documentary with specific, inclusive, non confrontal and non maligning narrative that incorporates the whole lot about President Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms for public discernment. The opposite section featured the strategic dialogue in Kaduna with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Muhammad Idris and different stakeholders.
Because it seems, on Saturday, October 7, stakeholders from varied sectors, together with authorities, non-public sector, civil society organisations, the academia, conventional rulers, non secular leaders and the media converged in Kaduna to debate the contentious tax reform payments presently earlier than the Nationwide Meeting.
The discourse, which was organised by the NIPR, Kaduna State chapter, supplied a veritable platform for the Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to mobilise stakeholders to have interaction in a constructive dialogue on the payments. The theme of the dialogue was: ‘The Roles of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for Nationwide Financial Renaissance’.
Notable attendees included Senator Shehu Sani, a human rights activist and former consultant of Kaduna Central within the eighth Nationwide Meeting; revered Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakar Gumi; and former Kaduna State chairman of the Christian Affiliation of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab.
Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s current tax reform proposals have ignited important debate, highlighting deep-seated regional disparities between the northern and southern elements of the nation. The federal government’s initiative goals to streamline the tax system, improve income technology, and align with world requirements. Key elements embrace rising the Worth Added Tax (VAT) to fifteen% over six years and altering VAT remittance procedures to make sure taxes are paid within the state the place items and companies are consumed, reasonably than the place firms are headquartered.
Critics, significantly from northern Nigeria, argue that these adjustments disproportionately favor economically sturdy southern states like Lagos and Rivers, doubtlessly exacerbating present regional inequalities. They contend that the brand new VAT allocation methodology may cut back federal allocations to northern states, which historically rely extra on centrally distributed revenues.
In response to those considerations, northern political figures, together with federal lawmakers and state governors, have referred to as for broader consultations and, in some circumstances, outrightly rejected the proposed payments. They concern that the reforms may additional marginalize the north economically, given its greater poverty charges and decrease industrial exercise in comparison with the south.
Proponents of the reforms argue that they’re essential to create a extra equitable and environment friendly tax system, cut back the variety of taxes from 60 to eight, and get rid of low-yield “nuisance” taxes that burden small companies and the poor. They assert that the adjustments will foster a business-friendly atmosphere and promote financial progress throughout all the nation.
Such delicate debate little question if not strategically dealt with, have the potential to hold the nation out and dry. “Malagi” as the knowledge minister is fondly referred to as by admirers understands the stakes and the necessity to thread not simply with warning however with inclusion via engagement. What a PR masterstroke! As he go around the nation partaking stakeholders, this isn’t the primary time the Minister’s intervention will calm troubled territorial waters.
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In July 2024, Nigeria’s Day by day Belief newspaper printed an article titled “LGBT: Nigeria Indicators $150 Billion Samoa Deal,” alleging that the Nigerian authorities had endorsed an settlement compelling assist for LGBTQ+ rights in alternate for monetary advantages. The Federal Authorities, via Data Minister Mohammed Idris, swiftly refuted these claims, labeling the report as false and deceptive.
To handle the state of affairs reasonably than direct confrontation, the federal government lodged a proper grievance with the Nationwide Media Complaints Fee (NMCC), also referred to as the Ombudsman, requesting an intensive investigation into the publication’s veracity.
The NMCC acknowledged receipt of the grievance and initiated an inquiry, emphasizing its dedication to upholding journalistic requirements and moral conduct. Subsequently, the Ombudsman really helpful that Day by day Belief difficulty a public apology for the inaccuracies in its reporting. Day by day Belief acknowledged lapses in its protection and expressed a dedication to adhering to greater journalistic requirements sooner or later.
Minister Idris’s immediate intervention was pivotal in addressing the misinformation, guaranteeing that public discourse on delicate points like LGBTQ+ rights was knowledgeable by correct and dependable data.
An identical incident occured in January 2019, when the Nigerian army performed raids on the places of work of the Day by day Belief newspaper in Abuja and Maiduguri, arresting journalists and seizing tools. The army accused the newspaper of undermining nationwide safety by publishing delicate details about deliberate army operations in opposition to Boko Haram.
The Day by day Belief had reported on the army’s technique to reclaim territories from Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria. The army contended that such publications jeopardized the success of their operations and endangered personnel. Relatively than engagement and dilague using brute drive was deployed doubtlessly undermining press freedom with the Worldwide Press Institute (IPI) describing the army’s response as “inappropriate and disproportionate.”
These two approaches clearly defines the distinction between stakeholder engagement and confrontation in public relations technique or stunts with the later being the alternative of the previous.
Stakeholder engagement and confrontation symbolize two distinct approaches in public relations (PR) when interacting with key audiences resembling clients, communities, governments, and media. Stakeholder engagement focuses on fostering dialogue, collaboration, and relationship-building to create belief and align pursuits. By selling two-way communication, transparency, and early involvement, establishment or entities concerned can deal with considerations proactively and search mutually useful options. This strategy not solely enhances popularity but additionally minimizes dangers, strengthens public notion, and encourages long-term loyalty and advocacy.
Alternatively, confrontation is a reactive and defensive technique used when establishment or entities face criticism, opposition, or misinformation. It includes disaster administration, assertive messaging, and generally authorized motion to guard the entitie’s integrity and proper false narratives. Whereas confrontation can make clear misunderstandings and management detrimental publicity, it carries the chance of escalating conflicts and damaging belief.
In observe, PR methods should steadiness these approaches fastidiously. Engagement is usually most popular for constructing lasting relationships and stopping crises, whereas confrontation ought to be reserved for excessive conditions particularly almost about popularity. A hybrid technique, the place engagement is prioritized however confrontation is used as a final resort, ensures that public relations efforts are each resilient and efficient in managing stakeholder relationships.
As a seasoned writer and public relations practitioner who has risen via the ranks to the fellowship cadre of the NIPR, the minister who goes by the standard title “Kakakin Nupe” understands his briefs far too properly. Maybe one of many perks of placing a spherical peg in a spherical gap.
In PR and Picture making, the popularity purpose defines the strategy and the nations chief data officer is doing simply that, defining and projecting data and nationwide orientation in a accountable, well timed, coordinated and strategic method.
One high quality that stands him out from the perk is his perception in dialogue over misinformation and harmful propaganda, stakeholder and media enagagement over confrontation, and his complete management of narratives and points over damnation and ignorance. His conduct and decorum naturally differs and that’s the reason one can solely disagree with him on knowledgeable grounds however by no means disrespect or malign him. These are the qualities of a PR man to the core and his non confrontational strategy amidst disaster conditions is a category act in PR in itself.
My colleague who first introduced the Kaduna dialogue to my consideration has stated that if not for “Malagi”, Tinubu would have been nowhere seen and I can’t agree much less. From the Resumption of Nigeria-UAE Flights, to Addressing Financial Hardships Amid Protests, Negotiation of Minimal Wage and Promotion of Federal Authorities Intervention Applications, the minister has all the time introduced on his “A” sport to nationwide data administration and strategic communication.
I stand to be corrected however Mohammed Idris appear to have surpassed the legacies of his predecessors. Rising up, my earliest recollection of data ministers on obligation began with Frank Nweke Jnr who served the Olusegun Obasanjo Administration between 2005 to 2007 and who caught my fancy on account of his polished look accompanied by bow ties and his command of language. I couldn’t keep in mind a lot of John Odey and late Dora Akunyili’s tenure who beneath late President Yar Adua. However i recollect vividly that when Labaran Maku, who served President Jonathan between 2010 and 2014, is proven on TV, my Dad normally reduces all the quantity. Nigerian’s already know the story of Lai Muhammed who served out a whole eight years with quick previous President Muhammadu Buhari.
None to one of the best of my data has measured upto what minister Idris is doing in that very same workplace, I believed to myself as I pulled up within the car parking zone the place our visionary PRNigeria’s chalet is about to be seated.
It was this identical reflection and ideas that made me suppose aloud after I had hopped into Alhaji’s automobile as we headed to Al-Furqan collectively for the marriage Fatiha.
I used to be simply overtly expressing my admiration for the honorable minister’s approaches and methods when Alhaji, not saying a lot all of the whereas, introduced out his telephone and dialled a quantity who picked up in a single dial. I didn’t realise it was the Minister himself till Alhaji handed over the telephone to me, “maintain on, someone desires to let you know one thing,” Alhaji had instructed the receiver.
I used to be excited that I had the chance to understand the minister immediately and to let him know that I used to be watching him, studying from him and pleased with what he’s doing for a rustic that belongs to us all.
In any case, all of us agreed after dropping the decision that Malagi as he’s fondly referred to as has raised the bar far above what he met on the bottom. A brand new period in data and nationwide orientation might have dawned. With two or six extra years to go, will his successors have the ability to match into the sneakers he’ll depart behind?
Lawal, a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow is Head of Innovation and Particular Tasks at PRNigeria and Government Secretary, Community of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR).
