Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, to deploy their expertise in curbing misinformation and hate speech ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Abiodun made the call at the second edition of Owanbe Nite organised by the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR in Abeokuta on Friday.
Speaking at the event themed “Ariya Galore: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness”, Governor Abiodun, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr Iskeel Saka, urged the Institute to promote responsible political communication, peaceful participation and issue-based engagement to foster a safe and credible electoral process.
“As we approach the forthcoming general elections, I urge NIPR to deploy its professional expertise in promoting responsible political communication, curbing misinformation and discouraging hate speech,” he said.
He also charged members of the Institute, particularly those in the civil service, to uphold ethical conduct and bring their professional expertise to bear on public service delivery.
Abiodun said the theme of the event aptly captured the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that cultural heritage remained a powerful tool for fostering social cohesion.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Chairman of NIPR, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, urged public relations practitioners to promote issue-based campaigns and counter misinformation ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
She noted that as the country approaches another election season, the role of public relations in strengthening democracy had become more critical.
“As communication professionals, we have a responsibility to promote issue-based campaigns, encourage responsible political communication, counter misinformation and disinformation, as well as foster constructive engagement among political actors and citizens,” she said.
Boye urged practitioners to use their platforms to promote tolerance, respect for divergent views and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
According to her, democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed, and when communication builds bridges rather than deepens divisions.
“Our responsibility goes beyond managing reputations; it is also about protecting public trust, strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that communication contributes to national stability,” she added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Delta State Police Command, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the NIPR has a major role to play in sustaining democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, through advocacy, voter education and campaigns against political thuggery, hooliganism, vandalism and attacks on opposition parties.
He urged the institute to engage political stakeholders, leaders and supporters through seminars and public forums to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.