……. Intensifies Membership Drive
The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commenced a statewide tour as part of efforts to reposition the chapter, strengthen professional public relations practice, foster strategic partnerships and increase membership across the state.
The advocacy tour includes ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), parastatals, tertiary institutions, media organisations and other critical stakeholders.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Chapter, Aturu Bishop .
According to the statement, the tour, led by the Chairman of the Chapter, Mr. Ismaila Isah, began with a courtesy visit to The Graphic Newspaper, before proceeding to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, and a meeting with NIPR Elders.
Speaking during the visit to the Graphic Newspaper in Lokoja, Isah described the state-owned newspaper as a strategic partner, saying the decision to begin the advocacy campaign with the newspaper was deliberate and symbolic.
He noted that the Kogi State Chapter, which had remained inactive for over a decade, was being revived to restore professionalism in public relations practice across the state.
According to him, NIPR remains the only legally recognised professional body empowered by law to regulate the practice of public relations and strategic communication in Nigeria.
”We are embarking on this advocacy visit to seek strategic partnerships and support from key stakeholders. Beyond media coverage, we also seek closer collaboration in promoting professional public relations practice across Kogi State,” he said.
The Chairman called on journalists, media practitioners, spokespersons, public relations officers, event managers and other communication professionals to regularise their membership with the Institute in line with the provisions of the NIPR Act, stressing that registration offers legal recognition, professional development opportunities and access to a wider network of practitioners.
He also disclosed that Nigeria would host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja later this year, the first edition of the global event to be hosted in Africa, and encouraged members in Kogi State to register with the Institute and participate in the historic gathering.
Responding, the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, commended the new leadership for reviving the Institute and pledged the newspaper’s support for its programmes and advocacy activities.
”The Graphic belongs to all of us. Whatever programme you have, inform us and we will give it the necessary publicity. We will support the activities of the NIPR because what you are doing contributes to the development of Kogi State,” he said.
Also speaking during the visit, the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Mike Abu, emphasised that registration with the Institute is a legal requirement for individuals serving as public relations officers or spokespersons in government ministries, departments, agencies and private organisations.
He disclosed that the Institute was working with its national leadership to provide opportunities, including possible waivers, to enable interested professionals regularise their membership ahead of the World Public Relations Forum.
The advocacy team also visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, where the Chairman stressed the long-standing relationship between NIPR and the journalism profession, describing both as complementary professions that play critical roles in promoting responsible communication and national development.
He explained that state chapters are expected to serve as the fulcrum of the Institute’s activities under the NIPR Act, making it imperative to reactivate the Kogi Chapter after years of dormancy.
Isah said collaboration with the NUJ would help deepen compliance with the NIPR Act and facilitate the registration of journalists engaged in public relations practice.
Responding on behalf of the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademu Seidu, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Obansa, described the visit as timely and welcomed the revival of the chapter, assuring the Institute of the union’s support in promoting public awareness of the role of public relations in governance and democratic development.
The delegation also met with the NIPR Elders, where the Chairman announced the establishment of an Elders Advisory Committee to leverage the wealth of experience of senior practitioners in repositioning the chapter.
According to him, the advocacy campaign would cover about 50 organisations across the state to strengthen institutional partnerships, boost membership and mobilise support for the Institute.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Elder Emmanuel Bola Boro commended the renewed efforts of the executive committee and pledged the continued support of senior members towards the growth of the chapter while other senior members called for sustained public enlightenment, capacity building and stronger collaboration within the profession.
The statewide advocacy tour is expected to continue in the coming weeks with visits to government institutions, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations and other strategic stakeholders across Kogi State.
