By Adejoke Monsurat
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has condemned privatisation of public opinion, saying that it is a veritable means of bridging the gap between government and the governed.
He stated this as the special guest of honour at the 2023 colloquium organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Ogun State chapter with the theme “Pluralism and Public Opinion Management: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria”.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele, the governor noted that the only way to have a sustainable democracy is to take public opinion management seriously, which he claims is frequently influenced by the media and interest groups that have a substantial influence on government policies and actions.
Abiodun opined that through public opinion, one could foster trust and build a sustainable democratic society.
According to him, his government had tremendously succeeded in institutionalising high self-esteem among the people by creating an enabling environment for individuals to grow without hindrance.
“As the Governor of Ogun State, I am committed to creating an inclusive and participatory governance system and we have initiated various programmes and policies aimed at encouraging the citizens to participate in the decision-making process and ensuring that their voices are heard”.
In keeping with his ISEYA mantra, the State helmsman revealed that some of his administration’s interventions include various housing estates for poor and high-income earners, a fully equipped State hospital, a growing tech industry, and an increase in foreign direct investment.
While commending Ogun NIPR for their efforts in promoting the profession, he urged the government, media, civil society groups, and the public to collaborate in promoting pluralism and public opinion management in order to harness the prospects for sustainable democracy in Nigeria and overcome the challenges associated with it.
On his part, the President and Chairman in Council, NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, who was represented by a member of the Council, Mrs. Nkechi Balogun, congratulated the leadership of the NIPR, Ogun State chapter, for its unwavering efforts.
Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, said in his contribution that Nigeria is a conglomeration of different ethnicities, but it is drifting apart because its leaders are too alienated from their people, noting that pluralism was not a problem for democracy.
Earlier in her speech, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, Chairman, NIPR, Ogun State Chapter, asked PR practitioners to be consistent in supporting the truth, promoting accuracy, and refuting rumours in order to protect the integrity of the country’s democratic system.
