Vivian Aziengbe, Comfort Ene Obaje

Keywords: Interfaith, public relations, branding, citizens’ trust, Christianity, Islam.

Abstract

This study examines how interfaith public relations branding affects citizen
trust in Nigeria’s multi-religious environments. These are environments notable for recurrent conflicts that threaten social unity. This condition has brought about social interactions that promote religious strife and undermine confidence in cross-faith collaborations, resulting in splintered coalitions and rising insecurity in the country. The paper relied on Social Identity Theory and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to frame the inquiry, illuminating both the dynamics of group attachment and the pathways through which trust-enhancing messages circulate within the Nigerian society. Data for the paper emerged through a systematic
literature review of existing journal articles and academic book chapters.
Thematic analysis was employed to extract and integrate relevant data. The study found that well-orchestrated interfaith public relations comprising
dialogue platforms and coordinated media outreach successfully elevated
citizen trust by cultivating a shared communal identity and countering
extremist narratives. However, misinformation and deep-rooted cultural divergences emerged as persistent hindrances. The study concluded that interfaith branding, when strategically applied, constitutes a critical asset for solidifying multi-religious coalitions and for advancing the broader aims of peace and national unity. The paper called for governments to provide public relations training for faith-based organizations, tighter social media rules to reduce religious trolling, and joint community outreach initiatives that bring religious leaders together to create lasting trust.

Author Biography

Vivian Aziengbe

Department of Public Relations University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

Comfort Ene Obaje

Department of Public Relations University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

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Vivian Aziengbe, Comfort Ene Obaje

Keywords: Interfaith, public relations, branding, citizens’ trust, Christianity, Islam.

Abstract

This study examines how interfaith public relations branding affects citizen
trust in Nigeria’s multi-religious environments. These are environments notable for recurrent conflicts that threaten social unity. This condition has brought about social interactions that promote religious strife and undermine confidence in cross-faith collaborations, resulting in splintered coalitions and rising insecurity in the country. The paper relied on Social Identity Theory and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to frame the inquiry, illuminating both the dynamics of group attachment and the pathways through which trust-enhancing messages circulate within the Nigerian society. Data for the paper emerged through a systematic
literature review of existing journal articles and academic book chapters.
Thematic analysis was employed to extract and integrate relevant data. The study found that well-orchestrated interfaith public relations comprising
dialogue platforms and coordinated media outreach successfully elevated
citizen trust by cultivating a shared communal identity and countering
extremist narratives. However, misinformation and deep-rooted cultural divergences emerged as persistent hindrances. The study concluded that interfaith branding, when strategically applied, constitutes a critical asset for solidifying multi-religious coalitions and for advancing the broader aims of peace and national unity. The paper called for governments to provide public relations training for faith-based organizations, tighter social media rules to reduce religious trolling, and joint community outreach initiatives that bring religious leaders together to create lasting trust.

Author Biography

Vivian Aziengbe

Department of Public Relations University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

Comfort Ene Obaje

Department of Public Relations University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

View PDF

Vivian Aziengbe, Comfort Ene Obaje

Keywords: Interfaith, public relations, branding, citizens’ trust, Christianity, Islam.

Abstract

This study examines how interfaith public relations branding affects citizen
trust in Nigeria’s multi-religious environments. These are environments notable for recurrent conflicts that threaten social unity. This condition has brought about social interactions that promote religious strife and undermine confidence in cross-faith collaborations, resulting in splintered coalitions and rising insecurity in the country. The paper relied on Social Identity Theory and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to frame the inquiry, illuminating both the dynamics of group attachment and the pathways through which trust-enhancing messages circulate within the Nigerian society. Data for the paper emerged through a systematic
literature review of existing journal articles and academic book chapters.
Thematic analysis was employed to extract and integrate relevant data. The study found that well-orchestrated interfaith public relations comprising
dialogue platforms and coordinated media outreach successfully elevated
citizen trust by cultivating a shared communal identity and countering
extremist narratives. However, misinformation and deep-rooted cultural divergences emerged as persistent hindrances. The study concluded that interfaith branding, when strategically applied, constitutes a critical asset for solidifying multi-religious coalitions and for advancing the broader aims of peace and national unity. The paper called for governments to provide public relations training for faith-based organizations, tighter social media rules to reduce religious trolling, and joint community outreach initiatives that bring religious leaders together to create lasting trust.

Author Biography

Vivian Aziengbe

Department of Public Relations University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

Comfort Ene Obaje

Department of Public Relations University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

View PDF