PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE REBRANDING NIGERIA PROJECT IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE REBRANDING NIGERIA PROJECT IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study examines the influence of public relations in rebranding Nigeria taking into consideration public perception in this regard. The objectives are to determine if rebranding is relevant; to assess the extent rebranding can help Nigeria in her foreign investments drive; to examine how Nigeria is rated in the world; and to evaluate the extent, public relations can be used in rebranding Nigeria. The research used the theory of socio-cultural model and rational model of persuasion, adopted the survey research method with the stratified random sampling technique to choose a sample size of one hundred (100). Data were collected through the questionnaires. The findings reveal that public relations will be very instrumental in mobilizing the grass roots and get them involved in the rebranding project through the use of excellent persuasive medium; removing all barriers to accessing governmental information by both local and international media; and restoration of national loyalty among the publics through creation of mutual lines   of   communication   and   understanding   between   the   public   and   the government. The research concludes that public relations is very essential in nations’ branding or rebranding process and recommends that professionals should be given freehand or the autonomy to implement the rebranding Nigeria project. The study further recommends that the Nigerian populace should be carried along in the rebranding efforts of the government by providing infrastructural facilities to the people.