Varsity Don blames rising societal crisis to gap in effective communications

A professor of Public Relations and Media Strategy at the Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Richard Amadi, has blamed some rising societal crisis to lack of effective communications.

Citing myriads of unabated crisis in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),All Progressives Congress (APC) Labour party, (LP) resulting to party members defecting to other parties, as well as cracks in organization, families, parastatals and even in government, the public relations expert attributed all to brigde of trust which was caused by lack of quality public relation and communication strategy.

He regretted that some crisis in the nation has snowballed into precarious situations affecting various sectors of the economy and in turn impacting negatively on the living standard of the people due to inability of the people to dialogue and chat a way forward

According to Amadi, engaging in dialogues, communication strategies were vital tools capable of resolving crisis but people and government have neglected hence; so much protracted crisis affecting growth and development in the country.

Amadi stated this while delivering the 103 inaugural lecture series of RSU tagged, ‘Enthropic and Negentropic Coactions in Humanistic Setting: The Public Relations Metier and its Dynamics ‘.

He described the topic as apt because it highlighted the importance of public relations as sure pathway to enduring harmony and balance in a polarised and turbulent world like Nigeria.

Prof Amadi said, ” Over the decades, government at all levels and corporate organisations have undergone a profound transformation, necessitating a critical re-evaluation of the tools,tactics, methods and mind set required for their growth.

“This abysmal performance of the organisations that instigated transformation can be attributed to neglect, misuse of potency of the potency of public relations activities as an integral stream of an establishment.”

He urged authorities and the citizens to shun asymmetrical practice which breeds manipulation and imbalance but to embrace symmetrical practice which according to him is dialogue form that borders on openness and candour with trust as common denominator.

Prof Amadi, affirmed that when such dialogue is practiced, the world will become a place of equal opportunities where peace and justice will run in full circle and the cracks,unabated crisis which has affected economic growth in the society will be tamed.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of RSU, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, applauded Amadi on his ability to interprete the complex topic in a simple way and injecting great value on the attendees.

Okogbule agreed that cracks in the systems, institutions,organisations due to gap in communication affects growth and development, and therefore, called for effective engagements and dialogues system of communication.

Former Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice chancellors,University Management, faculty heads, students, traditional rulers, friends and well wishers graced the occasion.