Category: Media/PR

The battle ground has shifted. In an advanced society conflict is no longer resolved through the use of bows and arrows. This crude method of conflict resolution can only be found in archaic societies, for instance the Jos crisis in Northern Nigeria where victims were cut to death with machetes. Wars have also gone beyond the deployment of guns, missiles and the Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) – a claim for the justification of George Bush and Tony Blair’s arbitrary invasion of Iraq.

The new war is fought without shedding human blood. The social media is the battle ground for the interested parties where online propaganda plays prominent roles. Social media is used for advocacy and mobilisation for noble causes and on the other hand to blackmail and destroy individual and institutional reputations. One can read, listen and video live happening across the globe provided, not only by the media but the ordinary persons on the street and shared on the internet.

The emergence of the internet has brought about a range of auxiliaries to enhance communication amongst individuals and groups from the development of website, email and instant messaging. The great innovation of the decade is the social media network which has elevated human communication and activities to an exciting and scary level. The major applications and tools for social media include online forums, blogs, microblogs, social networks, bookmarking sites, online videos, podcasting and Instant Messages. The popular brands of those tools include Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, Twitter, Delicious, Digg, stumbleupon and various others.

The technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, interact and play – without the need for third parties except the gadgets. One does not need to expend too much resources to read newspapers, watch TV, listen to radio, play games and with spontaneous platforms for online reactions. Business transactions, like online shopping and banking are conducted round the clock without stepping out our homes. Most of the developers of these technologies actually transform their ideas to reality from the comfort of their homes.

The success of Obama’s election was largely associated with effective use of social media technology, likewise the massive global supports received by victims of Haitian earthquake. Access to computers and mobile devices has indeed made the world a global village.

As exciting as these new media applications are, their impact on our lives as users, the economic improvements in the lives of the technology developers and technicians, it still calls for great concerns to humanity. The rate of divorce is increasing due to cheating on social media as unfaithful partners are easily tracked, just as professional hackers are having field day discrediting security systems of established institutions, while fraudsters milk their victims dry through tempting baits on the internet. Frustrated souls too, especially amongst youngsters now find the convenience of committing suicide through advisory from some social websites.

While social media encourages human laziness and physical social interactions, a new finding in Britain reports that the negative effect of video game and social networking websites which is blamed for the shocking rise in rickets amongst children. A freely distributed Metro newspaper, reports that spending hours in front of a computer means youngsters do not stay outdoors enough, hence, they suffer lack of vitamin D which can lead to rickets that was once associated with poverty. Kids now stay indoors more these days and play their computers instead of enjoying the natural fresh air.

As the traditional providers of those services are already in real economic recession, a massive job cut has become the order of the day as the computer provides all manner of service that were once provided by man.

The real bad news is that the next World War will not be fought with conventional armaments, but through the social media. The social media has uplifted propaganda, another tool of public relations to another level. Even in Nigeria, a country notorious for sectional infighting, parties in conflicts are using online platform to promote themselves and destroyed their opponents with malicious and some libellous campaigns, yet backed with evidences. A video of arbitrary execution of innocent citizens where uploaded on the website, with each sectional claiming to be the victims of the assault.

The Chinese government recently through its authoritative and Independent newspaper, People’s Daily raises a concern about the manipulation of social media for propaganda by other countries that pretend to promote freedom of information. The Editorial of the paper accused America for using “cyber army” to engage in online warfare, by fomenting civil unrest in the Islamic Republic of Iran after the June 12 election in that country last year. The paper said: “America was exploiting social media such as Twitter and YouTube to generate protests against the Iranian regime.

It went further to say that “Behind what America calls free speech is naked political scheming. How did the unrest after the Iranian elections come about? It was because of online warfare launched by America, via YouTube video and Twitter, microblogging, spread rumours, created splits, stirred up, and sowed discord between the followers of conservative reformist factions.”

The Asian publication also raised the fear being expressed by other countries on what constitute freedom of information and democratisation by stating that: “We’re afraid that in the eyes of American politicians, only information controlled by America is free information, only news acknowledged by America is free news, only speech approved by America is free speech, and only information flow that suits American interests is free information flow.”

In the fear that the social media seems to be going out of control, some actions are being taken in some societies to deny access to selected websites. Some countries like China have blocked access to some websites; these include the popular YouTube, Twitter and Facebook to control so-called cultural imperialism.

At individual level, a company in United States has developed software that can permanently kill access to the social websites at the click of the button. The company sees its innovation as a relief and rehabilitation for addicts who want to detach the excessive addiction to the technology. The killer software called Web 2.0 Suicide Machine is an ingenious package that sluices online presence permanently from social networks. The service has received massive subscription to the disadvantage of favourite social websites.

The question is why should internet users and the general public becoming wary of social media? The technology is yet to have moral standard and code of ethic. It is not easily controlled or regulated as some anonymous users have notoriety of wrecking havoc before speedy actions and authentication are made.

While scholars in communication and Public Relations (PR) continue to extol the virtue of social media as an undoubted tool for effective communication and human development, it requires some levels of control against criminal tendencies, untoward behaviours and manipulation by some users towards a saner global community. For now we may welcome the online propaganda than physical combatants by parties in disputes.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib was originally published in Economic confidential February, The Guardian February 8, Daily Trust February 9, People Daily February 10, Vanguard February 11, New Nigerian February 12, National Life February 13, Sunday Tribune February 14 and Daily Champion February 15, 2010

Please check out this youtube downloader that can make youtube to mp3. It is also a youtube converter mp3 like yt convert. It is free and useful.

The Governor’s action in sacking former chief executive officers of the five Nigerian banks that were allegedly engaged in unethical practices has been hailed by Nigerians who are either victims or have been suspicious of activities in that sector especially on their incredible, most times manipulated annual financial reports and the misuse of their female officers who are forced to indecently dress, so as to entice customers to their banks. Many businesses have collapsed due to the failure of the banks to provide facilities for growing enterprises and the real sectors of the economy.

Some people may attach ethnic sentiments to the cleansing exercise being conducted by Sanusi Lamido in the banking sector, I only wish they know ass an intellectual that has written and spoken without fear on various contemporary issues including politics, religion, governance, cultural diversity, economy among others. His writings as a public commentator are public knowledge, especially where he castigated and blamed Northern elites for the North’s backwardness due to their arrogance, selfishness and nonchalant attitudes to the plight of their people. Probably if not for his present position, Sanusi’s opinion would have been sought on the Boko Haram Crisis in Maiduguri Borno State.

Sanusi could not be accused of incompetence because so far nobody doubts his professional integrity and incorruptibility, not even the maverick billionaire, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim who attests to Sanusi’s credibility but yet attacks the CBN for listing him amongst the bad debtors.

The fear I have for Sanusi is that he is behaving typical of his close friends: Nasiru El-rufai and Nuhu Ribadu, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Chairman of the economic and financial crimes Commission (EFCC) respectively who do not give a hoot in their public pronouncement and comments once they are fully convinced, when positive actions should speak louder than mere utterances.

Let us critically examine this issue; should a top public officer of his status be entitled to expressing his personal opinions and convictions publicly? Shouldn’t there be limit to the comments and observation make by top public office holders? Must top public office holders respond to every comments, observations and views expressed by the public? How often must such officer appear or relate directly with the public in order to pass information?

This piece tries to examine the Governor of CBN’s approach in the context of public relations whose principle is to sincerely and truthfully communicate towards establishing mutual and beneficial relationship amongst the stakeholders as well as create public awareness on issues that border on the organisation and the public.

During his maiden media briefing with the Press, the governor told his audience that he would only appear occasionally, probably after the monthly meeting of Monetary Policy Committee to brief them on new developments on economic and monetary issues, while his lieutenants that include the deputy governors and directors would address the public on their respective schedules. But the situations since then indicate that he does most of the talking.

I must admit that the new Governor of CBN is very sincere in his disposition so far in an attempt to revive and restore the image of Nigerian banks. But the reality is that he is too ethical, hasty and blunt in his approach which requires caution in utterances, vigilance in association and full alertness to unfolding events that may guide his actions.

Most of his media friends and even those who manage his public affairs may find it difficult to admit that the governor need to relax on the frequency of his direct interaction with the public. There is nothing wrong with occasional public appearances if only to make pronouncement on new development. The responsibility to reinforce position and clear the airs on misinformation and misconception are handled by other reliable and knowledgeable managers, most especially officially designated spokespersons who are the professionals in processing public perception and reputation management. The spokespersons take charge in monitoring and processing the impacts as well as take full responsibility for feedbacks and rejoinders.

In Public relations one does not need to play to the gallery in confronting problems with half-baked truth or blatant lies like in propaganda or brainwashing in the name rebranding, some restraint are essential to gauge the public moods after a major bombshell.

Every boss, to some extent is an embodiment of the organisation as a social personality over whom media attention may revolve, it is imperative that delegation of responsibility and public appearances for media attention is controlled to avoid unnecessary distractions.

He should allow the new chief executives of the banks and other relevant regulatory institutions to give endorsement to the new monetary directions as they continue to monitor the trends of event in the financial systems. He should also count on his network of friends among the publishers, civil society groups and academia because only mischief makers and ethnic jingoist would read negative meanings to the actions taken so far.

He is knowledgeable no doubt, but should be courteous and diplomatic in his relationship with other stakeholders, because some media reports portray him like a combatant ready for confrontations instead of an umpire that should create enabling environment. He should not be seen as a competitor but rather the regulator towards stabilisation of the polity for economic development.

He may not know but fifth columnists exist, watching every move and can strike and stab. Sanusi therefore need to be knowledgeable on survivalist’s instincts’ and mechanisms in his new organisation and the larger society. He should therefore have his ears to the ground and ensure that he monitors the media for feedbacks which may possible require his attention. He should be receptive to good ideas and constructive criticisms to enable him take rational decisions in protecting his image and that of his organisation and Nigeria as a country.

I may not conclude this without restating that all chief executive officers, including the new Governor of CBN must imbibe the characteristics of public relations person. They should possess the best of character within and outside the working environment. They can be eloquent with prowess of oratory, they need to have control over temperament in the face of tension and provocation. Every human being has his strength and weakness. Nobody is born a perfectionist and, therefore, one needs to have regular self-appraisal to meet public expectations.

I cherish top public officers who absorb shocks and insults and carry on unperturbed still doing what they intend to do, which is one of the great qualities of General Olusegun Obasanjo during his reign as civilian president. That natural shock-absorber, though rare amongst officers, if positively deployed, is a gift necessary in confronting and surmounting difficulties and should be cultivated and built upon by our bosses.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib was originally published in Economic Confidential September, New Nigerian September 7, Leadership September 8, Thisday September 12, Nigerian Tribune September 13, The Guardian September 14, 2009

Some media experts including former NUJ Chairman, now Senator Adeyemi Smart pointedly advised Dr. Abdulazeez not to engage Akunyili and NAFDAC in media war. Everybody even at that time believed that Akunyili had carved a niche for herself and earned tremendous goodwill from the press. Though a Press Conference was held by Biomedical Service, it only appealed for reasoning and reassessment of its products. With further consultation, the case was revisited and the company was reopened.

The appointment of Prof. Dora Akunyili a pharmacist as Minister of Information should not have been a surprise considering the fact that Federal Ministry of Information has been a haven for non-professional as its ministers. Most of the ministers appointed in the past have no background knowledge and qualification in mass-communication, journalism or Public Relations practices to be quite relevant. Other sensitive ministries like that of justice, health, finance, science and technology have always had relevant professionals with requisite qualification as ministers. Since the reemergence of democratic dispensation in 1999 some of the past ministers of Federal Ministry of Information were Emeka Chikelu, a lawyer; Frank Nweke Jnr., a zoologist and John Odey a banker by qualifications.

The media and PR practitioners do seem not to bother about the qualifications of the minister of information. At the national level, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have all spoken to support the emergence of Prof. Akunyili as Minister of Information and Communication. The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is yet to do so publicly but in the online forum for Public Relations practitioners in Nigeria www.prnigeria.net, 60% of respondents said they agreed with her appointment, 26% ticked totally wrong while 13% just said NO.

Interestingly, Prof. Dora Akunyili like her predecessor in the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication, John Odey, have through regular interactions with the media courted their respect and understanding, most especially editors and respective beat correspondents. From practical experience they know how to woo the media and sustain working relationships.

As much as PDP under Obasanjo was receiving the bashing towards the tail end of the administration, as the then spokesperson of the party, John Odey’s integrity and professional acumen in dealing with the press was not in doubt. Information management is not necessarily speaking out to be heard but also strategizing silently and quietly in ensuring that negative information that create bad impression are controlled.
This writer had a close working relationship with John Odey where he observed how he related and managed government’s information. For instance, Odey doesn’t take offence on constructive criticisms where practical solutions are proffered. Without restraint, he gives out his telephone and email addresses and responded to enquiries mostly to text messages. Where necessary, he arranged appointments to clear the air on government policies.
It may interest the public to note that John Odey belongs to some online forums, including those for Resident Information Officers (Press Secretaries) and Public Relations in Nigeria where members and even his staff do take on him or disagree on issues. He often reacted maturely and positively to the reasons adduced and on several occasions he ensured the issues were squarely addressed.

I think the communication side of the ministry which deals with telecommunication service and its regulatory environment overwhelmed his portfolio as he had to take some decisive and responsive actions, especially on controversial issues of NITEL towards reviving our collective patrimony. Another area where many had expected John Odey to speak publicly as Minister of Information was on the purported ill-health of President Yar’Adua when the latter was in Saudi Arabia. Odey and Presidential Spokesperson, Segun Adeniyi maintained a dignified silence to avoid sending wrong signals to the public.

One of the strategies effectively adopted by John Odey in his brief stint as Minister of Information was the weekly Press Briefing he addressed after each meeting of the Federal Executive Council in Presidential Villa. The avenue afforded him the opportunity to highlight positive developments, new directions of government and also using it occasionally to correct misgiving in the polity. While no human is ever infallible, John Odey may have had his weaknesses but he was never arrogant or vindictive as he tried to carry everyone along even against political and bureaucratic considerations.

He couldn’t make much noise because in every organization whether public or private, the ultimate boss dictates the tune. Probably that was the reason he was not as loud and garrulous as past ministers in similar positions.

There is no doubt, Professor Akunyili will prove her worth in the new terrain considering the overwhelming support she has so far received from different angle and surprisingly from media and public relations practitioners.

In the area of practical media relations, she may have no problems. Her success and global recognition as a non-nonsense anti-fake drug crusader when she was the boss at NAFDAC were largely influenced by the tremendous support and encouragement of the Nigeria’s media who promoted and protected her positions. Probably it is in recognition of her goodwill with the press that President Musa Yar’Adua posted her to Ministry of Information.

I believe Prof. Dora Akunyili can facilitate, through tactical lobbying, the quick passage of Freedom of Information Bill with the National Assembly. She Should also ensure that Nigeria Press Council as the regulator of the press in Nigeria, perform its statutory responsibilities diligently and fearlessly like NAFDAC by monitoring unethical and unprofessional conducts of some media outfits in their reportage and editorials.

To sanitize the profession of journalism and public relations practice in Nigeria, she should support the efforts of NUJ and NIPR in ensuring that those that practice these sensitive professions have acquired basic training and qualifications. She can do that as she did with certifications of products and practitioners in Food and Drug industry in Nigeria as NAFDAC’s boss.

While we welcome the new minister to new social and political terrain of information dissemination, she must be reminded that some actions may require different approaches: diplomacy, patience, endurance, decisiveness, courage and sincerity of purpose or one can easily lose all the past glories and respects earned over the years.

If she intends to play safe from going against her major constituency which is now the media, is better she concentrate her energy on the communications’ aspect of the ministry which deal with telecom operators and their incredible services of late. That is where there is business without politics of what-to-say and not-to-say.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib was originally published in Economic Confidential January, New Nigerian January 8, Daily Trust January 8, Sunday Tribune January 11, Daily Sun January 12, Triumph January 14, Thisday January 18, Guardian January 19 and Leadership January 21, 2009