The Benue State Government is considering formalizing public relations as a career structure in the state public service. This move aims to strengthen the professional management of government communication, improve public enlightenment, crisis communication, and response to misinformation and disinformation. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, disclosed this during a visit by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Benue State chapter.
The proposal follows discussions at a recent workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and the NIPR for government spokespersons. Governor Alia has been briefed and is favorably disposed to implementing the idea in Benue. The formal recognition of public relations is expected to enhance the state's communication and image management.
The NIPR, Benue State chapter, has been advocating for the formal recognition of public relations in the state's public service. The chapter's chairman, Philip Toryue, said the institute has over 100 members working in various sectors, including government, media, and private organizations. However, Toryue identified professional recognition, quackery, and inadequate funding for capacity-building as major challenges facing the chapter.
Kula also backed the institute's proposal for regular training of government spokespersons and information officers. He emphasized that continuous professional development would help reduce misrepresentation and friction between government and the public. The administration is willing to partner with the NIPR on professional communication and other initiatives that could contribute to the state's development.
The proposed professionalization of public relations comes as the institute seeks greater involvement in the appointment of communication personnel across the state's public institutions. Kula endorsed the proposed training program, saying stronger professional capacity among government communicators would help limit misunderstanding and inaccurate representation of government policies and activities.
The administration is prepared to subject its record to public scrutiny through a proposed NIPR manifesto program for candidates contesting the 2027 State House of Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship elections. The government will use the platform to respond to what it considers misinformation and disinformation about its activities. Alia's administration has pursued projects and programs in roads, infrastructure, industry, and education.
The NIPR chapter proposed quarterly masterclasses for government spokespersons, media aides, press secretaries, and local government information officers. The sessions would focus on crisis communication, media relations, and government image management. The institute also wants to be formally engaged as a technical partner in government communication campaigns covering security, disease prevention, and public sensitization.
Key points
- The Benue State Government is considering formal recognition of public relations as a career structure in the state public service.
- The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Benue State chapter, has over 100 members working in various sectors.
- The administration is prepared to subject its record to public scrutiny through a proposed NIPR manifesto program for candidates contesting the 2027 elections.
