NIPR Benin holds Quarterly General Meeting, Stakeholders advocate for increase awareness of PR role in fostering National Unity

Bythecrusadersvoicetm

May 1, 2024

By Mercy Onyenweli

Members of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Edo State chapter, have been called to maximize their Public Relations skills to project the numerous achievements of Governor Godwin Obaseki

The Edo State Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, Esq, represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr (Mrs) J. Akhigbe stated this while declaring open the Quarterly general meeting \Public Lecture of NIPR in Edo State.

She noted that alot can be achieved through Public Relations to integrate the People and promote Peace and national unity..

She appreciated the Leadership qualities exhibited by NIPR ,Edo State chapter to reposition the Professional body for effective performance.

She further appeal that alot need to be done to project the real narrative on ground to avoid social media hawks who often times disseminate unverified and fake news about the State in other to get views.

Also speaking on how members can project the state in a good light, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare who was àlso represented by the Permanent Secretary, Desmond Agbama commended the Chairman and it’s members for their immense contribution to the development of the State.

Comrade Agbama said Ministry of Information is the home for Public Relations and as such should be assured of adequate support whenever needed.

Delivering his welcome address, the Chairman of NIPR, Edo State, Dr. James- Wisdom Abhulimen noted that there is an urgent need for government, organizations and Institutions to forge partnership with the Professional body , by leveraging the expertise of Public Relations Professionals to achieve holistic development.

” Public Relations often regarded as the unsung hero of Nation Building, plays a pivotal role in sculpting the image of countries, organizations, and Institutions” he said.

He however pointed that the Leadership under his watch has been working assiduously to reposition and lay a solid foundation for the progressive growth and development of NIPR in the State.

To further sustain progress recorded over the years, Five Standing Committees were inaugurated with the Publicity Committee headed by Mr. Paul Okojie while membership committee is headed by Mr. Courage Eboigbe

Speaking on the theme: The Role of Public Relations in Promoting Nigeria’s Conhession and Integration,Dr. Chamberlain Egbulefu, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication department of Benson Idahosa University urged NIPR members to use their PR skills to promote National Unity.

Condemning the rise of ethnic and tribal indifferences in the country, noted that the country must go back to the reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of General Gowon after the Civil War I January 1970, if it must achieve a comprehensive development.

He said the rise in brain drain is as a result of the poor living conditions in the country and if not nipped to the bud can lead to the termination of the country.

Prof Chamberlain further said that part of the role of PR is to analyze trends and predict their consequences and advising those in leadership positions to take corresponding actions.

He added that the NIPR should awaken the Nigeria Government to initiate a new Peace building that can reintegrate the people again.

“To achieve National Peace , the NIPR should awaken the consciousness of the FG on the need to embrace Peace building and see the profession as a Philosophy and managerial function ”

” This will translate to National dialogue for National Peace and how we can live together as one people

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