By Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, says now is the time to re-engage the citizenry to reinvent nationhood for a better Nigeria.
The President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, Malam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo made the assertion in a press briefing ahead of the citizens summit for National Integration, Peace and Security, billed for next week in Abuja.
The summit according to him, is a product of research conducted by the Governing Council of the institute to identify factors responsible for recent sad developments in the country whose outcome revealed a widening trust deficit at three levels – between government and the citizens and among the various ethnic and socio cultural groups, thereby, weakening trust and unity amongst citizens
He said the research also revealed a collapse of core national values, citizens despondency and apathy on issues of national development hence the need for a programme to address the identified challenges, promote national cohesion, peaceful co-existence among citizens, rebuild trust, and lay solid foundation for a new and prosperous Nigeria.
Malam Mukhtar noted that no nation thrives or progresses in an atmosphere of distrust and since the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) recognizes trust as a key element in nation-building and the role of dialogue in societal well-being and development, and has decided to take up the challenge of rebuilding the broken trust through reopening channels of effective dialogue and development-oriented conversation; it is reopening conversations to rebuild trust.
He emphasised that they are aware that the task of rebuilding Nigeria is enormous and demanding, and as such, are ready to partner with government and other wellmeaning Nigerians, individuals and corporate, to drive the process to a logical conclusion noting that so far, they are partnering seventy organisations.
The NIPR boss said the need for effective national mediation, reconciliation and investment in peace building for national integration; reengaging and including the Nigerian youths, women, and people with disabilities in leadership and governance; so as to strive for balance, equity, fairness, and justice as a way of life are part of what the Summit intends to achieve.
He noted that for the country to move forward, there must be a change on how the citizens are engaged and the techniques of dialogue charging government to learn the modern art of citizens engagement and the people on their part must appreciate the task of nation building as a collective responsibility in which the citizens too, have a great role to play.
