On the 15 January 2026, our Secretary General, Amb. ’Dapo Oyewole, served as a panellist at the public presentation of the 1st Nigeria Reputation Perception Index (NRPI) 2025 Report, held at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Abuja.
During the discussion, he highlighted the strategic importance of national reputation in shaping trust, diplomacy, investment, and Nigeria’s standing in global and multilateral spaces. He, however, emphasised that national reputation is shaped by the cumulative character and actions of individual citizens. As such, we must all see ourselves as ambassadors of the countries and continent we represent.
He also announced that from the next cohort, the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI)—a flagship youth leadership programme of CoSPAL—will introduce Reputation Management as a core learning component. He further noted that CoSPAL will explore how lessons from this important initiative can be applied across Africa’s legislatures.
Amb. Oyewole appreciated Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), for the invitation, and Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, for hosting. Special recognition was extended to the Chairman of the Occasion, Deputy Senate President H.E. Barau Jibrin, CFR, and the Special Guest of Honour, Amb. Joe Keshi, President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria.
Conversations like these are vital to strengthening Nigeria’s—and indeed Africa’s—soft power and shaping a narrative that deepens respect and unlocks opportunities at home and abroad. As the NIPR President aptly stated, “reputation is a national asset.”
