Abiodun, Boye urge PR practitioners to curb misinformation, hate speech forward of 2027 election

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, to deploy their experience in curbing misinformation and hate speech forward of the forthcoming common elections.

Abiodun made the decision on the second version of Owanbe Nite organised by the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR in Abeokuta on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion 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 advertise accountable political communication, peaceable participation and issue-based engagement to foster a protected and credible electoral course of.

“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 stated.

He additionally charged members of the Institute, notably these within the civil service, to uphold moral conduct and convey their skilled experience to bear on public service supply.

Abiodun stated the theme of the occasion aptly captured the significance of unity and peaceable coexistence, noting that cultural heritage remained a robust instrument for fostering social cohesion.

Earlier in her welcome tackle, the State Chairman of NIPR, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, urged public relations practitioners to advertise issue-based campaigns and counter misinformation forward of the forthcoming common elections.

She famous that because the nation approaches one other election season, the function of public relations in strengthening democracy had turn out to be extra vital.

“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 stated.

Boye urged practitioners to make use of their platforms to advertise tolerance, respect for divergent views and peaceable participation within the electoral course of.

According to her, democracy thrives when residents are well-informed, and when communication builds bridges quite 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 talking, the Deputy Commissioner of Police answerable for Operations, Delta State Police Command, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated the NIPR has a serious function to play in sustaining democracy forward of the 2027 common elections, via advocacy, voter training and campaigns towards political thuggery, hooliganism, vandalism and assaults on opposition events.

He urged the Institute to have interaction political stakeholders, leaders and supporters via seminars and public boards to make sure a peaceable and credible ballot.