Bayo Onanuga, a senior adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has urged officials from the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) to amplify public awareness of the administration’s policies and achievements. Speaking at a capacity-building seminar in Abuja on Friday, Onanuga emphasized the need for grassroots engagement to highlight progress under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a “visible reality” rather than an abstract slogan.
The event, organized by the APC’s National Publicity Secretary office, brought together state and zonal publicity secretaries to strengthen communication strategies. Onanuga acknowledged economic challenges inherited by the administration but pointed to signs of recovery, including increased investor interest across sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals. “The economy is picking up, and confidence is being restored,” he said, underscoring the importance of disseminating these developments to citizens.
APC Acting National Chairman Ali Dalori echoed the call for proactive messaging, urging spokespersons to champion the Renewed Hope Agenda with “renewed vigour.” Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the party’s National Secretary, stressed the role of strategic communication in countering negative narratives. He highlighted the strengthening of Nigeria’s currency, the naira, as a rebuttal to pessimistic forecasts and advocated for leveraging local radio programs to reach communities nationwide.
Bashiru also underscored Nigeria’s federal structure, urging officials to spotlight achievements at state and local government levels. With the APC governing 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states, he called for a focus on “real programs and measurable outcomes” rather than rhetoric. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, reinforced the importance of sustained public education on government initiatives, noting the seminar’s role in aligning communication efforts.
The gathering, attended by party stakeholders and spokespersons from across Nigeria, reflects the APC’s push to consolidate its messaging as the administration approaches its second year. While officials framed the event as a step toward transparency, the emphasis on宣传 (propaganda) underscores the political stakes amid ongoing economic reforms, including the contentious removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to stabilize foreign exchange markets.
For international observers, the seminar signals the Tinubu government’s bid to bolster domestic perception of its policies, particularly as inflation persists and living costs remain a concern. How effectively these communication strategies translate into public trust may shape the political landscape ahead of future elections.
