The leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Bayelsa Chapter, met with the SSG to discuss collaboration on reputation management, capacity building, and professional public relations practice in MDAs
By Danjuma AMODU
The leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Bayelsa State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, to strengthen institutional relationships and explore areas of collaboration in advancing strategic communication, reputation management, and professional public relations practice within the state.
Chairman of the Chapter, Dr. Ebiwari Wariowei, who led the delegation, reiterated the Institute’s commitment to supporting the Bayelsa State Government through professional public relations, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and image management, the Chapter’s PRO, Seiyefa Uzaka, said in a statement.
He emphasized that effective governance is enhanced by effective communication, transparency, and public trust, stressing that NIPR possesses the professional expertise required to help government institutions build and sustain positive relationships with citizens and stakeholders.
“The Chairman further highlighted the importance of ensuring that communication and public relations functions in government ministries, departments, and agencies are handled by qualified public relations professionals in line with established standards,” the PRO stated.
In his response, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, commended the leadership of the Bayelsa State Chapter of NIPR for the visit and acknowledged the important role of strategic communication in promoting good governance and public confidence.
The SSG expressed the willingness of the Bayelsa State Government to maintain a productive working relationship with NIPR, Bayelsa State Chapter, and welcomed collaboration in areas such as strategic communication and public enlightenment, reputation and image management for government institutions, capacity building and professional development for government information and public relations officers, public engagement initiatives that strengthen trust between government and citizens, as well as the promotion of ethical communication and professionalism across the public sector.
“Both parties agreed on the need to sustain regular engagement and develop practical areas of partnership that would contribute to effective governance, improved public perception, and the continued development of Bayelsa State,” the statement concluded.
