This study; public perception of the role of Public Relations in the Implementation of N- Power in Benue State, sought to find out the role of public relations in the implementation of N-Power and how the public perceived the roles. The methodology adopted in the study was survey. Questionnaire and interview were used as the research instruments for data collection. The sample size of 386 was statistically determined using the Araoye’s formula from the population of 10, 312. The study employed a multistage sampling technique in administering research instruments. Findings revealed that public relations were needed when relating with other agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing N-Power in the state as well as when communicating with the media; N-Power beneficiaries; and employees. The study also found that role public relations played in the implementation of N-POWER in Benue State to include helped in publicizing N-Power programme; assisted the news media in coverage of N-Power and government activities; disseminated information on various agencies’ activities about N-Power to beneficiaries; increased the internal cohesion of agencies involved in N-Power programme; increased the agencies’ sensitive to its public’s or N-Power beneficiaries and mobilized support for the agencies of government involved in N- Power programmes. The study concluded that public perception of the role of public relations in the implementation of N-Power was negative. This is because of the unfriendly relationship that exist between beneficiaries and government, also government is perceived as been nonchalant in handling N-Power as well as lack of dialogue and public relations practitioners are not as trustworthy. The study, therefore, concluded that, public relations strategies were adopted in the implementation of N-POWER in Benue State to a little extent. Based on the conclusion drawn, the study recommended among others that for effective implementation of the N-Power, PR should be adopted as core management function to build credibility amongst beneficiaries and management of the N-Power and special attention must be paid to performance, ability of government to deliver service and keep to agreements as expected and demanded by N-Power beneficiaries.
Vol. 2, No 1, pp. 78-87.