The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday declared open the 17th International Public Relations Congress tagged, “Rebuilding Trust, Mutual Understanding and Harmony For National Development”.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Caesar’s Luxury Hotel, Lekki, the Governor implored Public Relations practitioners to brace up for the responsibilities that the current socio-economic realities have put on their shoulders by coming up with strategies that will not only enable the citizens to trust and understand the government but to also make the needed sacrifice.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin added that leaders must equally demonstrate genuine and sincere commitment to the plight of the people by being accountable and transparent in the implementation process.
He said the theme of the Congress was apt given the current global challenges that are making the government take difficult and painful decisions necessary to reposition their economies on the part of sustainable growth.
Sanwo-Olu said, “One of the greatest challenges most governments and policymakers are indeed facing at this time is to secure the understanding and support of the citizenry, assuring them that the reforms that are being implemented will yield desired positive results”
He, therefore urged PR practitioners to deploy their expertise and experience in managing and shaping people’s perspectives regarding government policies and programmes.
The President, Businesses Education Examination Council, Mazi Mike Okereke in his welcome address, said the aim of the Congress is to update the skills of PR practitioners in order to effectively address reputation management issues and challenges. The best practices he explained will further drive state policies and programmes, including national development plans and strategies.
The three-day Congress has experienced and practical-oriented PR practitioners as faculties.
