By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), a private sector initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), is set to host the 2026 Nigeria Reputation Day Conference on Thursday, October 15, with former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Peterside, a leadership architect and management turnaround expert, will speak on the theme, “Own the Narrative: Shaping Nigeria’s Reputation Together,” examining how citizens, institutions and technology influence the country’s image locally and internationally.
The conference comes as Nigeria seeks to attract foreign investment, strengthen international partnerships and reshape longstanding perceptions about its economy, governance and business environment.
The organisers said the keynote would examine the role of individual conduct, institutional performance and digital platforms in shaping national reputation, noting that Nigeria’s image extends beyond government communication and foreign media coverage.
According to the NRMG, a country’s reputation is shaped daily by the behaviour of its citizens, the effectiveness of public and private institutions, and the growing influence of digital platforms in spreading information about the nation.
The group noted that perception could influence economic outcomes alongside policy decisions, particularly as countries compete for investment, trade opportunities and stronger global partnerships.
Three panellists — Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Ambassador Ivie Sabina Idakpaye and Omawumi Ogbe — will discuss Peterside’s presentation, with Tope Ojeme serving as moderator.
The panel brings together expertise in academia, diplomacy and communications, with discussions expected to focus on practical measures citizens, corporate organisations and government agencies can adopt to strengthen Nigeria’s international standing.
The organisers said the session would move beyond identifying reputational challenges to examining shared responsibilities for protecting and improving the country’s image.
They added that credible institutions, responsible citizenship and coordinated action were essential to building a reputation capable of supporting national development.
In a statement signed by Chief Yomi Badejo and Hajia Lami Tumaka, the NRMG said this year’s conference would be held online to expand participation among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The event is expected to attract participants from professional associations, the media, the public sector, civil society organisations and academic institutions, including students.
The group said the online format would broaden access to discussions on Nigeria’s reputation and encourage more stakeholders to contribute to strategies for improving the country’s image.
The statement said the conference was designed to “compel reflection on how each of our actions shape national reputation.”
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The NRMG described Nigeria Reputation Day as an annual platform for stakeholders to examine the country’s image and establish a shared understanding of their responsibility in shaping how the nation is perceived globally.
It stressed that reputation should be treated as a national asset requiring sustained investment in institutional credibility, effective governance, responsible citizenship and consistent communication.
The group also cautioned against relying solely on reactive image-management efforts, arguing that a stronger national reputation must be supported by credible institutions and actions that reinforce public trust.
It urged stakeholders across all sectors to participate in the conference, noting that Nigeria’s international standing has implications for investment, economic opportunities, diplomatic relations and the country’s broader development ambitions.
The October 15 conference is expected to provide a platform for examining how collective responsibility, institutional performance and effective communication can contribute to building a stronger and more credible Nigerian identity globally.
