Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Public Relations practitioners in Nigeria to ensure that government reforms and policies are communicated in clear, simple, and relatable language that strengthens public trust and understanding.
He said the success of ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration depends largely on how well citizens understand their purpose and benefits. Shettima made the remarks on Tuesday in Kaduna at the 3rd Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Week CROC City 2026, hosted by Governor Uba Sani, where he also commissioned the Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Government House, Kaduna.
According to him, public relations remains a strategic tool of governance, stressing that policies that are not properly explained often face resistance and misunderstanding. He noted that government communication must be translated into clear messages that connect with ordinary citizens and reflect their daily realities.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate,” the Vice President highlighted key interventions of the Tinubu administration in addressing food insecurity, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food security, deployment of 2,000 tractors, establishment of a ₦100 billion agricultural fund, expansion of dry-season farming, targeted input support, and strengthened agricultural investments.
He said these initiatives would only be meaningful when they translate into real relief for farmers, improved market conditions, and better household food access, adding that any policy that does not reach the farm, market, and home remains incomplete. He also urged PR professionals to uphold professionalism, ethics, and evidence-based communication in their practice.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the Vice President as a dependable ally of President Tinubu and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting agricultural investment as part of efforts to achieve food security.
The President of the African Public Relations Association, Arik Kirani, encouraged Nigerians to project the country’s positive progress, noting improvements in visa processing and airport services for international visitors.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Brahim Chisunge of South Africa, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in agriculture and food security, while noting that stronger policy implementation is needed to achieve sustainable results.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the NIPR Week is aimed at strengthening governance through effective communication and collaboration with government, adding that Nigeria will host a global PR summit in November with delegates from about 160 countries.
Meanwhile, Shettima also commissioned the Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall at the Kaduna Government House, describing it as a landmark facility that will support high-level engagements and strengthen Kaduna’s role in governance and diplomacy.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the project aligns with the federal government’s broader development agenda focused on improving infrastructure and living conditions.
Governor Uba Sani said the banquet hall was constructed to strengthen institutional capacity and provide a world-class venue for official and diplomatic functions in the state.
