On the 15th and 16th of April, 2025, I had the honour of joining the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr, at the 2nd Nigeria Spokespersons’ Summit (NSS 2025). The event was jointly hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The Summit was graced by the Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. A special highlight was the conferment of the prestigious Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on Dr. John Momoh, OON, the visionary Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Channels Media Group.
This landmark gathering brought together spokespersons, media professionals, communication strategists, and public relations experts from across the country. It provided a much-needed platform for reflection, collaboration, and forward-thinking discourse on how to reposition Nigeria’s reputation management and national information strategy.
A major highlight of the Summit was the Ministerial Clinic, during which the Honourable Minister delivered a powerful address on the pervasive challenge of fake news. He spoke candidly about how even leaders have fallen victim to this menace. The session also featured a panel of former Ministers of Information – including Labaran Maku, Chief John Nwodo, Prof. Jerry Gana, myself, Frank Nweke Jr., and Alhaji Lai Mohammed – who shared invaluable insights and strategies with commissioners, agency spokespersons, and media advisers on navigating the complex terrain of information management in today’s dynamic media landscape.
Day One featured compelling presentations from renowned voices in journalism and communication, including our highly respected elder statesman, H.E. Chief Olusegun Osoba, CON, CFR, former Executive Governor of Ogun State, and Chief Edem Duke, FNIPR, former Minister of Culture and Tourism, who also served as Supervising Minister of Information.
On Day Two, I had the privilege of moderating a highly engaging panel discussion focused on Inclusive Communication for Managing Diversity and National Cohesion, led by Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, FNIPR, Director of the Institute for Strategic Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) and Vice President of NIPR. This was followed by an inspiring session on Strategic Storytelling and Brand Elevation by Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, PhD, FNIPR, MD of Necci Consulting.
Another highlight was the keynote address by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, who provided deep insights into Nigeria’s Current Economic Outlook and the Path of Ongoing Tax Reforms.
I must specially commend the leadership of NIPR, particularly the President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, and the Chairman of the NSS Planning Committee, Dr. Sule Yau Sule, for putting together such an impactful and excellently organised event.
It was a rich and thought-provoking experience—one that reinforced the critical role of strategic communication in national development and social cohesion.
*Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, mnipr
Director General/CEO,
Voice of Nigeria (VON)
#ThinkVON
#NSS2025
