Chairman, Channels Media Group, Mr John Momoh, has disclosed public office holders must leverage effective communication to earn citizens’ trust and loyalty.

Speaking at the 25th edition of NECCI PR Roundtable held in Lagos recently, he observed, “some people think Public Relations is ‘packaging’. They say, ‘ah, call the PR people – they will polish it’.”

Themed, ‘Ethics of governance: shaping reputation through Public Relations, he insisted, Public Relations is not perfume for bad policy, but it’s principle- the conscience of communication.

To him, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) must be remembered as the body that told truth to power – respectfully, consistently and fearlessly.

Describing trust as currency of leadership, Momoh further asked, “let’s be honest. If you stop 10 people on the streets of Lagos and ask, ‘do you trust the government?’ – more than half will probably sigh… some others are likely to say, ‘e get as e be’. That, right there, is the challenge. For trust deficit begets reputation deficit. People no longer take official statements at face value. They hear promises that don’t match their pain. They see projects launched but rarely completed. They see their neighbour who, just a year ago could barely eke out a living, now swimming in affluence. When citizens stop believing their leaders, no amount of publicity can repair that loss of faith.”

Citing the outbreak of Ebola pandemic, he recalled, “there was clear communication, honest updates and collaborative effort. People trusted the process – and Lagos became a global case study. That’s ethics in governance – leadership rooted in truth.”

Speaking further, he added, “when we talk about ethics of governance, we’re talking about what leaders do when no one’s watching. Ethics means doing the right thing – not the convenient thing. It’s transparency – letting the light shine on decisions. It’s accountability – owning outcomes, good or bad.’

To this end, he urged public relations professionals managing government policies to, “listen before they speak; tell the truth – even when it hurts; humanise leadership; admit mistakes and fix them.”

In conclusion, Momoh advised, “imagine a Nigeria where government statements are believed, because they’ve earned that belief; where transparency is the rule, not the exception. Where public relations is not spin – but service.”

A Nigeria built on truth and trust. That Nigeria is possible — if we make ethics our compass and empathy our language. So, today, as we mark 25 years of the NECCI PR Roundtable, let’s pledge that in every statement we draft, every message we shape, and every story we tell; truth will lead, ethics will anchor, and trust will follow.”

In her welcome address, convener NECCI PR Roundtable, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, noted in an era where credibility and trust are constantly scrutinised ethical communication is essential to leadership and good governance.

Speaking further, she announced the launch of NECCI Public Relations Pulse Essay Writing Prize with the aim of cultivating knowledgeable and skilled public relations professionals who will make significant impact in the industry.