ABUJA, 15 January 2024 The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has confirmed Tuesday as the date for the official inauguration of its Governing Council, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, presiding over the ceremony. This announcement was made by Dr. Ike Neliaku, the President and Chairman of Council for NIPR, during the “Meet the President” event in Abuja, marking his first significant interaction with the media since his election in August last year.
Dr. Neliaku highlighted that the inauguration aligns with the institute’s founding act and will include a special induction of new members. The event will conclude with a special dinner reception honouring NIPR members appointed in both the private and public sectors at federal and state levels, with the Minister serving as the Special Guest of Honour and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as the Guest of Honour.
Expressing concern about quackery in the public relations profession, Dr. Neliaku urged those erroneously appointed to regularise their membership before the enforcement of the Act’s provisions commences on April 1, 2024.
In addition, the President announced two significant initiatives for the first quarter of the year: the National Spokespersons Summit and Awards and the unveiling of the Young PR Professionals’ Hub. The National Spokespersons Summit, scheduled for March 25th to 28th, aims to educate spokespersons across various sectors on public engagement tools and ethical standards. It will also feature awards recognising exceptional spokespersons in at least twenty different categories.
Partnering with the renowned PR firm Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), Dr. Neliaku emphasised the goal of making these awards the premier recognition for spokespersons in Africa. He highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating outstanding professionals in the field.
The Young PR Professionals’ Hub initiative, chaired by Professor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu, Vice-Chancellor of Anambra State University, aims to provide a platform for young, talented individuals in the PR field to contribute to nation-building. The programme seeks to encourage young professionals and students in PR to actively engage with NIPR and contribute their innovative ideas to the industry.
Dr. Neliaku stressed the importance of these initiatives in advancing the field of public relations and fostering a supportive environment for young professionals to thrive and contribute to nation-building.
