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National President, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on Tuesday praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, for the roles they played in airlifting the stranded country’s senior national team players from Libya.
The glowing tribute was made by the NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, at the official unveiling of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group in Abuja.
The public relations expert said the prompt response, show of patriotism and the need to avert an international disgrace exhibited by the nation’s leaders was a reflection of what a gold reputation should look like.
He said, “Reputation takes a long journey; most times, it is like a relay race, highly delicate and easily perishable. While it takes a long time to build, it takes a short time to be damaged. Ladies and gentlemen, the reputation of our country needs some help.
“We appreciate the foreign affairs minister for making sure the players are not left there. We also appreciate the statement of Nigeria, even though he is on vacation, that Nigerians anywhere shall be respected and promoted whatever the situation.
“That is how reputation is built so that people will know that you care for them. It will also let them know that wherever they are, so long as they are doing the right thing, the nation will stand for them.”
His plaudits come a few hours after the House of Representatives promised to probe the ill-treatment meted out to the Super Eagles by Libyan soccer authorities at the (now boycotted) African Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The House directed its Committees on Sports and Foreign Affairs to investigate the development and report back within four weeks.
PUNCH Online reports that the aircraft conveying the Super Eagles and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation was diverted to a remote airport on arrival In the North African country last week.
The team had to travel by road to their hotel, where they spent over 13 hours without food and water, fuelling calls for the Federal Government to fly them back to Nigeria.
The players subsequently refused to play the game and returned to Nigeria, as the football federation petitioned the Confederation of Africa Football to wade into the matter.
