Event
Dr John Momoh Pushes for Trust-Based Governance at NECCI PR Event
Dr John Momoh calls for ethical leadership, stressing that trust and transparency remain the true currency of governance in Nigeria
Dr John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group, has urged Nigerian leaders to embrace ethics, transparency, and empathy as the foundation of governance, warning that no nation can rebuild public trust without integrity.
Also read: Why Nigeria Holds a Special Place in the World
Speaking at the 25th NECCI PR Roundtable in Lagos, Dr John Momoh described trust as the true currency of leadership and the essential bridge between governments and their citizens.
He praised the convener, Mrs Nkechi Ali-Balogun, for her consistency and commitment to professionalism over the past 25 years.
“The theme today may sound academic, but it’s really about one thing — trust,” he said. “Trust between leaders and citizens, government and the governed, Nigeria and Nigerians.
When people no longer believe their leaders, no amount of publicity can repair that loss of faith.”
The veteran broadcaster emphasised that ethics in governance goes beyond words or image management. “Ethics means doing the right thing — not the convenient thing,” he noted.
“It’s integrity, transparency, and accountability in action.”
Citing Nigeria’s successful Ebola response in 2014 and Lagos’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr John Momoh highlighted how ethical communication and open engagement built public confidence.
“People grumbled, but they followed — because they believed the messenger,” he remarked.
He challenged public relations professionals to act as the conscience of governance rather than mere image managers. “PR is not perfume for bad policy — it’s principle.
Real PR is about listening before speaking, telling the truth even when it hurts, and admitting mistakes when they happen.”
Dr John Momoh called for leaders to show empathy, humility, and accountability, insisting that citizens are more forgiving of honest hardship than deceptive comfort.
“Honesty builds credibility. When something goes wrong, admit it. That’s how you earn respect, not ridicule,” he said.
The Channels Media Group chairman also urged members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to remain fearless defenders of integrity. “Let the NIPR be remembered as the body that told truth to power — respectfully, consistently, and fearlessly,” he declared.
He concluded with a vision of a Nigeria built on truth and trust. “Imagine a country where government statements are believed because they’ve earned that belief.
“A Nigeria where transparency is the rule, not the exception, is possible if we make ethics our compass and empathy our language.”
Also read: Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, Aare Babalola, others to attend NACC 20th presidential inauguration gala in Lagos
Dr John Momoh’s passionate keynote drew sustained applause from communication professionals and public sector leaders, reaffirming his place as one of Nigeria’s most credible voices in media and governance ethics.
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Dr Dauda Lawal has received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.
The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.
The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.
Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.
“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.
“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.
Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.
He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.
Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.
“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”
The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a distinguished public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, resilience and commitment to national service.
Tinubu, in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, commended Shettima for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his years of service in both the public and private sectors.
He said public service at the highest level requires sound judgment, resilience and the ability to remain focused amid the challenges associated with leadership.
“Happy 60th birthday, Your Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.
“Public service at the highest levels in Nigeria is not a path for those in search of comfort. It demands sound judgement, resilience through challenging seasons, and the consistency to remain focused on the responsibility at hand,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Shettima’s career, the Oando chief executive noted that the Vice President’s journey from banking to public administration had been marked by service and perseverance.
He particularly referenced Shettima’s tenure as governor of Borno State, describing his leadership of the state during difficult years as an important phase of his public career.
“From a distinguished career in banking to leading Borno through some of the toughest years in its history, and now as Vice President of our country, yours has been a journey marked by service, excellence and perseverance,” he said.
Tinubu also prayed for the Vice President as he begins his seventh decade, wishing him good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
“On this day and ever more, may Allah grant you good health, wisdom, strength, and joy in the company of those you hold dear.
“I wish you every blessing and fulfilment in your service to our great nation and its people,” he added.
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