Christian Genocide: NIPR Demands Collective Action to Defend Nigeria’s Story

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, has called for a united national front to counter negative global narratives portraying Nigeria in distorted light, including what it described as misleading international depictions of conflict-related stories.

The Institute said correcting these damaging portrayals was a responsibility Nigerians must shoulder together, not one that would be left to the government alone to handle

Speaking in Abuja, yesterday, during a press briefing to unveil activities marking the chapter’s 35th anniversary, Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Stanley Ogadigo, warned that Nigeria’s image would continue to suffer if citizens failed to engage actively in shaping the country’s global reputation.

The United States President Donald Trump in October, designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing alleged genocide and severe persecution of Christians.

The move intensified global scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious-conflict narratives, prompting renewed calls from stakeholders for the country to take control of its own story and counter misleading portrayals.

Ogadigo said, “Nigeria deserves a better narrative. Some stories pushed globally do not reflect who we are. It is our collective duty, government, institutions, citizens, and the media, to correct misleading narratives, including how some international outlets frame issues of religious conflicts

“The world must hear balanced, fact-based accounts that protect our unity and stability.”

He said the anniversary celebration would serve as a platform to amplify credible national narratives, train communicators and strengthen public relations practice as a strategic tool of nation-building.

Ogadigo also announced a renewed war against quack practitioners infiltrating the profession, warning that enforcement would soon begin after a long period of advocacy.

He said quackery was damaging not only the PR profession but also the country’s image at home and abroad.