Former Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Delta State, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, has called for stronger stakeholder engagement, transparent communication and ethical leadership as essential pillars for achieving sustainable development and restoring public trust in governance.
Ogidi-Gbegbaje made the call on Thursday, June 25, 2026 while delivering the opening remarks as Chairman of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) Public Lecture of the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
He commended the Delta State Chapter of the NIPR for sustaining its AGM Public Lecture as a platform for intellectual engagement on governance, leadership, public policy, reputation management and national development, describing the initiative as a worthy contribution to addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
According to him, professional bodies have a responsibility to stimulate informed public discourse and provide practical solutions to national issues, urging other professional associations to emulate the NIPR by creating similar platforms that encourage meaningful engagement on matters of public interest.
Speaking on the strategic role of public relations, Ogidi-Gbegbaje said the profession serves as a critical bridge between government, organisations and the public by fostering trust, promoting transparency and encouraging citizen participation in governance.
He noted that effective public relations strengthens sustainable development through strategic communication, stakeholder collaboration, crisis management and community engagement.
The chairman expressed satisfaction with the theme of the lecture, “Leadership, Accountability and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Strategic Intersection of Public Relations for National Repositioning,” describing it as timely and relevant to the nation’s current realities.
He observed that leadership and accountability remain indispensable ingredients for sustainable development, adding that rebuilding public confidence requires visionary leadership, effective accountability mechanisms and deliberate efforts to strengthen the relationship between government and citizens.
Ogidi-Gbegbaje further noted that while the Delta State Government has articulated ambitious development objectives under the M.O.R.E Agenda of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, such plans can only succeed when citizens are actively involved in governance through continuous dialogue and inclusive participation.
He described stakeholder engagement as the “missing infrastructure” of good governance, stressing that policy makers, legislators, technocrats, public servants, the media and citizens must work collaboratively to ensure effective policy implementation and deepen public trust.
He urged public relations professionals to become strategic partners in policy formulation rather than being engaged only after decisions have been taken, advocating for more proactive communication, data-driven public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder consultations and regular town hall meetings to reduce misinformation and strengthen public confidence.
The former Permanent Secretary also challenged policymakers to make communication planning an integral part of project implementation, while calling on public servants to communicate government activities with greater clarity and openness.
He equally encouraged the media to balance their watchdog role with constructive reporting that promotes accountability, collaboration and hope, while appealing to members of the NIPR Delta State Chapter to champion regular dialogue between government and citizens through a proposed “Delta Dialogue Series.”
Ogidi-Gbegbaje maintained that responsible leadership extends beyond public office, noting that individuals can demonstrate leadership through integrity, accountability and selfless service in their respective communities.
He expressed confidence that the public lecture would generate valuable ideas capable of strengthening public engagement, promoting good governance and advancing sustainable national development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Delta State Chapter of the NIPR, Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, said rebuilding confidence between public institutions and citizens requires transparent leadership, ethical conduct and the strategic deployment of public relations principles.
The public lecture featured the Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalino, as keynote speaker, while Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro delivered the guest lecture.
The event also featured a professional development session on “Crisis Management: Building Effective Crisis Response Teams,” facilitated by Professor Presley Obukoadata, and attracted public relations practitioners, academics, government officials, media professionals, security agencies and other stakeholders committed to advancing ethical communication, good governance and sustainable development.
