The Head of Mass Communication Department, Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. Harvey Igben has described Public Relations as a veritable tool for good governance in any society.
Igben disclosed this during the 2024 maiden monthly meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking on the topic, Public Relations for Good Governance, Dr. Igben said it was essential in the enhancement of good leadership.
Defining Public Relations as having numerous definitions, he said it is a strategic communication process that builds mutual beneficial relationship between organisations and thier publics.
Highlighting some of the features of good governance, the erudite scholar said without accountability, transparency, rule of law, fair conduct of electoral process, cultural diversity, human rights there would be no true system of government.
He said for government to be well represented in the society, Public Relations as a vital tool should be used to shapen public opinion, cultivate and sustain positive impression, infulence policy decision and also used to create and sustain visual image of the society.
Igben added that as PR experts it is thier duty to help impact public confidence, public awareness, sustainable democracy, public image of government, responsiveness, constructive interaction, sustainable democracy.
The guest speaker, however mentioned corruption, conflict, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, poor economy and unethical behaviour as some of the challenges of good governance.
On his part, the state Chairman of the institute, Mr Godfrey Osakwe said Public Relations is a top public function which any country cannnot do without, adding that failure to lead without it can result to their downfall.
