By Danjuma Amodu
The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has launched a statewide advocacy tour of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, parastatals, tertiary institutions and media organisations to reposition the Chapter and strengthen professional public relations practice across the state.
Led by the Chapter Chairman, Mr. Ismaila Isah, the tour commenced with courtesy visits to The Graphic Newspaper, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, and a meeting with NIPR Elders in Lokoja.
Speaking during the visit to The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Isah described the newspaper as a strategic partner and the foremost print media platform of the Kogi State Government. In a statement by the Chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Aturu Bishop, he said the choice of The Graphic to kick off the campaign was deliberate and symbolic.
He noted that the Kogi Chapter, which had been inactive for over a decade, was undergoing a revival aimed at restoring professionalism in public relations practice in line with the NIPR Act.
“NIPR remains the only statutory body empowered by law to regulate the practice of public relations and strategic communication in Nigeria,” he said.
Mr. Isah urged journalists, spokespersons, public relations officers, event managers and other communication professionals to regularize their membership with the Institute. He said registration provides legal backing, professional development opportunities and access to a broad network of practitioners.
The Chapter has set a target of inducting 100 new members within the next two years.
During a separate advocacy visit to the Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kogi, Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuff, Mr. Isah said the tour was designed to reconnect with institutions whose mandates align with professional communication.
“Radio Kogi is home to many communication professionals. Over the years, several members of staff of the Corporation were active members of the Institute. We are here to rekindle that relationship and encourage more eligible professionals to embrace the values and standards of PR practice through the NIPR,” he said.
Responding, Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuff commended the NIPR leadership for its commitment to revitalizing the Chapter. She described the relationship between media and public relations as complementary and essential to informing and shaping public opinion.
The DG announced her intention to register immediately as a member of NIPR and pledged to extend the advocacy to the Corporation’s booster stations across the state.
