Sometimes in 2002, NAFDAC officials closed down Biomedical Service, a popular pharmaceutical company in the production of Travenous Fluids in Nigeria. The owner of the firm, Dr. Faruk Abdulazeez, who was an influential politician, believed strongly that the action of NAFDAC was based on wrong assumptions. Fully convinced that his firm had done nothing wrong in its operation and the need to allay the fear of the public who might have received wrong signals on the company over the closure, he decided to go to press.

Some media experts including former NUJ Chairman, now Senator Adeyemi Smart pointedly advised Dr. Abdulazeez not to engage Akunyili and NAFDAC in media war. Everybody even at that time believed that Akunyili had carved a niche for herself and earned tremendous goodwill from the press. Though a Press Conference was held by Biomedical Service, it only appealed for reasoning and reassessment of its products. With further consultation, the case was revisited and the company was reopened.

The appointment of Prof. Dora Akunyili a pharmacist as Minister of Information should not have been a surprise considering the fact that Federal Ministry of Information has been a haven for non-professional as its ministers. Most of the ministers appointed in the past have no background knowledge and qualification in mass-communication, journalism or Public Relations practices to be quite relevant. Other sensitive ministries like that of justice, health, finance, science and technology have always had relevant professionals with requisite qualification as ministers. Since the reemergence of democratic dispensation in 1999 some of the past ministers of Federal Ministry of Information were Emeka Chikelu, a lawyer; Frank Nweke Jnr., a zoologist and John Odey a banker by qualifications.

The media and PR practitioners do seem not to bother about the qualifications of the minister of information. At the national level, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have all spoken to support the emergence of Prof. Akunyili as Minister of Information and Communication. The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is yet to do so publicly but in the online forum for Public Relations practitioners in Nigeria www.prnigeria.net, 60% of respondents said they agreed with her appointment, 26% ticked totally wrong while 13% just said NO.

Interestingly, Prof. Dora Akunyili like her predecessor in the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication, John Odey, have through regular interactions with the media courted their respect and understanding, most especially editors and respective beat correspondents. From practical experience they know how to woo the media and sustain working relationships.

As much as PDP under Obasanjo was receiving the bashing towards the tail end of the administration, as the then spokesperson of the party, John Odey’s integrity and professional acumen in dealing with the press was not in doubt. Information management is not necessarily speaking out to be heard but also strategizing silently and quietly in ensuring that negative information that create bad impression are controlled.

This writer had a close working relationship with John Odey where he observed how he related and managed government’s information. For instance, Odey doesn’t take offence on constructive criticisms where practical solutions are proffered. Without restraint, he gives out his telephone and email addresses and responded to enquiries mostly to text messages. Where necessary, he arranged appointments to clear the air on government policies.

It may interest the public to note that John Odey belongs to some online forums, including those for Resident Information Officers (Press Secretaries) and Public Relations in Nigeria where members and even his staff do take on him or disagree on issues. He often reacted maturely and positively to the reasons adduced and on several occasions he ensured the issues were squarely addressed.