FG Urges Responsible Communication On Brand Nigeria, Warns Against Misinformation At 11th Digital PR Summit
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged public relations professionals, digital creators and communication experts to prioritise responsible communication and public trust over the pursuit of online engagement, warning against the spread of misinformation.
He made the call in his keynote address at the 11th Nigeria Digital Public Relations Summit, held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos.
Delivering the minister’s keynote address, was the Director of Regulation of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Eme Akande who noted that communication professionals must prioritise credibility over the pressure to generate social media engagement, warning that the speed of digital communication should not encourage the spread of misinformation.
“It is better to communicate responsibly, than to amplify misinformation in the pursuit of speed. Likes, views, shares and impressions are useful indicators, but they do not tell the whole story,” Idris stated.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “The Rise of Digital Influence: Culture, Creators and the New PR Playbook,” the minister explained that communication success should be measured beyond online popularity, noting that stronger relationships, meaningful engagement and lasting trust remain important measures of effective communication.
He acknowledged that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies were changing how organisations create content, understand audiences and respond to public conversations. However, he warned that these opportunities must come with greater responsibility, particularly in ensuring accuracy, transparency and sound human judgment.
“Technology can amplify a message, but it cannot replace integrity,” he said, adding that reputation is strengthened when organisations match their public commitments with visible actions and results.
The minister further urged organisations to involve public relations professionals in strategic decision-making, noting that their responsibilities should extend beyond publicity to understanding stakeholder expectations, identifying reputational risks and encouraging accountability.
“As we navigate this new era, let us remember that the power of communication is not measured by how loudly we speak, but how meaningfully we connect. Let us use the power of communication to rebuild the Nigeria we all want to see,” he added.
Commenting on the summit’s growth, its convener, Segun McMedal, explained that the initiative, organised by Upticomm Marketing Company, began as the Lagos Digital PR Summit and operated under that name for nine years before expanding into a national platform following growing industry interest and support.
“The truth is, digital is the new frontier. If you cannot play in that space, you are on your own, and you will be left out,” McMedal said, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies.
He disclosed that the organisers had achieved about 90 per cent of their expectations for the 2026 edition, with participants travelling from different parts of Nigeria. He added that plans were underway to attract speakers from North America and Asia in 2027 as the summit moves towards global expansion.
Also speaking at the summit, Odion Aleobua, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Creato Urban, encouraged professionals to embrace change, stating, “We need to unlearn today to unlock tomorrow.”
Dr Celestine Achi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cihan Media Communications, speaking on “Engineering Trust in the Age of Influence,” noted that every era of communication had engineered something.
The summit also featured panel sessions where industry experts examined digital influence, emerging technologies, audience engagement and the changing role of public relations.
