The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Information Chapel, Comrade Towoju Raphael, has emphasised that a good government is rated not only by its policies but by the quality and credibility of its communication with the public.
Speaking at the 2025 Press Week of the Chapel held at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, Towoju said the theme of this year’s celebration — “Media, Public Relations and Governance: Repositioning Government Spokespersons for Credibility in the Digital Era” — was carefully chosen to reflect the growing need for truth, transparency, and professionalism in government communication.
He noted that in the digital age, where misinformation spreads faster than truth, the credibility of government institutions often rests on the shoulders of their spokespersons.
“A good government is not only judged by the policies it makes, but also by the trust it earns through clear, consistent, and credible communication,” he said.
“No matter how noble a government’s intentions may be, poor communication can erode public confidence, while effective and transparent engagement strengthens democracy and deepens citizen trust.”
The NUJ Chairman stressed the importance of repositioning government spokespersons to meet the challenges of the modern information environment. He urged public communicators to embrace digital tools, adopt ethical practices, and prioritize accuracy and speed in their dissemination of information.
Highlighting the Chapel’s achievements, Comrade Towoju announced that over 100 members of the Federal Information Chapel had been trained in digital communication, media ethics, and strategic public relations within the last year under the current leadership.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we are not resting on our oars,” he said. “We will continue to seek partnerships and support to further empower our members to meet the demands of modern journalism.”
The Chairman expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr — the Grand Patron of the Chapel — for his continuous support, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, and other management staff in the Ministry.
Comrade Raphael concluded by urging journalists and government communicators alike to recommit themselves to truth, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“Credibility is not given,” he said. “It is earned, sustained, and guarded with discipline, truth, and transparency.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to retooling Nigeria’s information machinery to meet global communication standards.
He noted the ongoing renovations at Radio House and promised that the National Press Centre would become a modern media hub before year-end, aiming to improve journalists’ workspaces nationwide.
He emphasised building credible government spokespersons through sustained capacity building, collaboration, and upgrading the National Institute of Public Information (NIPI) in Kaduna for training information officers.
The minister urged journalists to uphold ethical journalism, report truthfully, and help citizens understand national policies responsibly, while calling on public relations officers to defend Nigeria’s image against misinformation.
Earlier, the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, stressed that public trust in government communication was vital for governance, urging spokespersons to adapt to social media and counter misinformation with verified facts.
A retired Director of Public Communication at the ministry, Charles Chikezie, lectured on the role of credible communication in governance, urging government spokespersons to provide timely and empathetic responses to effectively address public anxieties.
The event was attended by top government officials, media executives, and other distinguished personalities, including the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, represented by the Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Mr Abu Michael and the event’s Chairman, Honourable Austin Atakpu.
Highlights of the event included free medical testing and treatement for over 250 members and staff of the Ministry, decoration of Honourable Minister as the Grand Patron of the chapel, as well as the presentation of excellence awards to deserving staff.