By Adewole Kehinde

The job of managing the image and reputation of a company that many loves to hate and others hate to love is not an easy task.

I recently saw a statement in the Nation Newspaper with the headline “Fuel Scarcity And Price Hike” while the last paragraph said; “Muhammed has always maintained a deafening silence.” He did not pick up calls made to his mobile phone nor respond to text messages.

I was mad at that statement because Garba Deen Muhammed has always maintained an open-door policy that ensured prompt handling of all inquiries concerning the NNPC Limited.

This resulted in near-zero bad press for the NNPC in the past ten months that he held sway as the chief reputation manager.

How can a reporter say that Muhammed, a man of diligent penmanship, sound in editorial judgment, with a keen eye for detail, Garba Deen believed that journalism is a public trust and that credibility is the vehicle of leadership and organizational management, “has always maintained a deafening silence”?

This is a gentleman that has built a rapport with the media. He has never shied away from responding and attending to the deluge of inquiries that flood the NNPC Limited daily.

Since his reappointment in August 2021, he has encouraged journalists to stop by whenever they feel the need to meet and ask questions, discuss suggestions, or address problems or concerns with management.

His open-door policy is typically intended to foster an environment of collaboration, high performance, and mutual respect between NNPC Limited management and the media.

Muhammed’s tenacity, brilliance, astuteness, and friendliness to reporters who cover the oil industry are second to none.

How can a reporter say that a former Editor of the Daily Trust and one-time President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor-at-large at The Sun newspapers, “always maintained a deafening silence?”

Who is Garba Deen Muhammed? He is a multi-tasker with excellent organizational and leadership abilities. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited spokesman is a prolific writer and consummate editor, with a deep knowledge of media production and communication.

Muhammed is a complete gentleman; focused, patient, flexible, and open to criticism. He is a lover of innovative strategies and an extra miler who over the years, has established his civility and professionalism in the fields of journalism, public relations, and reputation management.

He was a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), 2015–16. Besides, Garba Deen Muhammad left his indelible mark on the Weekly Trust Newspaper as Bureau Chief and State House Correspondent, Deputy Editor, Editor of the Weekly Trust, and Acting Editor of the Daily Trust.

His capacity as a team player and value-adding communication expert has been proven consistently.

He has played several roles as Media Adviser, providing quality services to politicians of note and leaders of thought, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Honourary Media Assistant.

Garba Deen Muhammad, who until his latest appointment was Group General Manager/Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, H.E. Timipre Sylva, had demonstrated his usual thoroughness and candor on the beat, breaking new ground by introducing creative digital media content production to promote the Ministry and the official activities of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources on social media platforms.

With the skill set of Garba Deen Muhammad, Media Relations, Content Production, Corporate Communications and a unique understanding and passion for the application of Digital Media, the NNPC Group Public Affairs Division (GPAD) is on course to the next level.

A first degree and master’s holder from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Garba Deen is endowed with elastic professional wherewithal and a high consciousness of the strategic place of technology in communication when it comes to driving public perception of any organization.

Industry stakeholders share the strong opinion that this alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School, LBS, with robust exposure, strong network, and deep knowledge of the industry, who parades great prowess in strategic leadership and media management within and outside the country, is suitable for the task, especially in the season of transformation beckoned by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Garba Deen Muhammad, an award-winning communication expert, is equipped with the capacity for critical thinking, is versed in problem-solving, and understands the value of collaboration and teamwork. The quality and strength of his character have never been in question. He has always displayed resilience, patience, and humility.

His strong work ethic is already on the front burner as he leads the Group Public Affairs Division, GPAD, to a greater height.

He is thoroughly furnished for this new post and is familiar with the nooks and crannies of the job description.

His profound professional experience is already out there for everyone to see as NNPC Limited transforms into a company of global repute.

It’s a truism that only the deep call to the deep. It takes the visionary leadership of the NNPC Limited to operate the sharp vision that is peculiar to an eagle to identify among the lot and appoint Garba Deen to join the management team in the quest to reposition the corporation towards attaining global excellence.

Adewole Kehinde is the Publisher of Swift Reporters.