The Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, has identified accountable leadership, institutional transparency and strategic public relations as indispensable pillars for repositioning Nigeria towards sustainable development and renewed public confidence.
Professor Aghalino made the submission while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), held at the Multipurpose Hall of Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
Speaking on the theme, “Leadership, Accountability and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Strategic Intersection of Public Relations for National Repositioning,” the university administrator maintained that Nigeria’s greatest challenge was not a shortage of human or natural resources but a persistent deficit of accountable leadership and effective governance.
According to him, national transformation requires a deliberate communication framework capable of rebuilding citizens’ trust, strengthening public institutions and fostering inclusive governance.
He stressed that public relations should no longer be perceived merely as a tool for publicity, but as a strategic governance function that promotes dialogue, transparency and responsible leadership.
Professor Aghalino observed that the country’s abundant resources and youthful population have yet to translate into broad-based prosperity because of weak institutions, inconsistent policy implementation and declining public confidence in government, even as he noted that sustainable development can only flourish where ethical leadership, institutional integrity and active citizen engagement are deliberately nurtured.
The Vice Chancellor argued that communication professionals have a critical responsibility in bridging the gap between government and the governed by facilitating two-way engagement, improving policy communication and strengthening accountability mechanisms, adding that strategic communication remains central to effective governance, crisis management, policy acceptance and national cohesion.
While emphasising the need for institutional reforms, Professor Aghalino proposed the adoption of a National Strategic Communication Policy, the establishment of a National Public Accountability Dashboard to enable citizens monitor government projects, mandatory Communication Impact Assessments for major public policies, and the creation of Strategic Communication Offices across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to be staffed by certified public relations practitioners.
He also advocated institutionalised citizens’ dialogue platforms, greater investment in digital communication skills, stronger enforcement of professional ethics, curriculum reforms in tertiary institutions to accommodate governance communication and crisis informatics, as well as an expanded role for the NIPR in promoting accountability through initiatives such as an Annual Governance Trust Index.
Calling on Delta State to provide national leadership in governance communication, Professor Aghalino proposed the establishment of a Delta State Strategic Communication and Governance Forum to strengthen public trust and encourage evidence-based policy implementation.
He envisioned a future where public office is driven by service, accountability becomes the norm, young people and women occupy greater leadership roles, and public relations professionals serve as strategic advisers in decision-making processes, urging practitioners to evolve from image management to becoming architects of trust and active partners in Nigeria’s development journey.
The event was chaired by former Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol in the Delta State Government, Sir Edwin E. Ogidi-Gbegbaje.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, fnipr, said rebuilding public confidence in government institutions demands transparent leadership, ethical conduct and the deliberate application of professional public relations principles in governance.
The public lecture featured Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro of the Department of Political Science, Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the institution, who delivered the guest lecture.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and Member of the NIPR Governing Council, Chief Patrick Ukah, charged public relations practitioners to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism, integrity and credibility.
He stated that effective stakeholder engagement and ethical practice are fundamental to institutional success and the preservation of public trust.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, was represented at the programme by CSP Keme Osuluku.
As part of activities marking the Annual General Meeting, participants earlier attended a professional development session titled “Crisis Management: Building Effective Crisis Response Teams” at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba.
The training was facilitated by Professor Presley Obukoadata, Professor of Brand, Strategic and Meta Communication and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
The gathering attracted public relations professionals, academics, government officials, media practitioners and other stakeholders, who renewed their commitment to promoting ethical communication, responsible leadership, accountable governance and sustainable national development.
