Abuja: The President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Dr. Christopher Isiguzo, has called on Nigerians to take greater ownership of the country’s narrative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that Nigeria’s achievements receive adequate visibility alongside its challenges. This appeal was made during his keynote address titled, ‘Reclaiming Nigeria’s Sovereign Narrative: Developing a PR-Media Strategy to Rebuild the Nation’s Brand Identity,’ at the Monthly General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Isiguzo highlighted that Nigeria is rich in stories of talent, enterprise, culture, innovation, and resilience, but these narratives are often overshadowed internationally by themes of corruption, insecurity, poverty, and political instability. He stressed that while the country’s challenges should not be denied, they should not become the sole lens through which Nigeria is perceived globally.
Isiguzo urged the development of a credible national narrative that acknowledges Nigeria’s weaknesses while also highlighting its achievements and potential. He stated that a sovereign narrative should be an authentic truth, strategically communicated, rather than a ‘beautiful lie.’ He emphasized that the first audience for this rebranding should be Nigerians themselves, as the country cannot effectively persuade the world of its potential if its citizens have lost faith in it.
He further encouraged journalists to hold those in power accountable while also reporting on advancements in science, technology, research, and entrepreneurship, which highlight Nigeria’s capacity to contribute to Africa and the world. The solution to negative coverage, according to Isiguzo, is not censorship but more comprehensive journalism that provides context and ensures Nigeria’s achievements receive appropriate attention.
Isiguzo also called on public relations practitioners to evolve beyond traditional roles and become strategic managers of reputation, data, crises, and stakeholder relationships. He suggested that PR practitioners should function as a bridge between government policies and citizens, aiding in understanding the purpose, benefits, implications, and risks of government programs.
He advocated for strengthening Nigeria’s communication strategy by leveraging its growing technology, creative, and entrepreneurial sectors, as well as the Nigerian diaspora, to present the country as a creator of value rather than merely a large consumer market.
Isiguzo proposed the creation of a permanent, professional, and non-partisan ‘national story engine’ that would unite government, PR practitioners, journalists, businesses, academia, civil society, the creative industry, technology experts, and the diaspora. He emphasized that journalism and public relations should remain complementary, with each profession maintaining its distinct responsibilities.
The CAJ president concluded by stating that reclaiming Nigeria’s narrative requires communication to be matched by performance, stressing that the country cannot solely use public relations to conceal its weaknesses. He urged stakeholders to help build a narrative that reflects both Nigeria’s realities and its potential, describing Nigeria as a nation with possibilities to be unlocked.
Earlier, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Chairman of the 2026 AGM Planning Committee, announced that the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference would focus on responsible leadership, strategic communication, nation-building, public trust, innovation, sustainable development, and good governance. She also called for partnerships with corporate organizations and government establishments to support professional development workshops for members.