NIPR Kogi Recalibrates Chapter, Elects Gov Ododo’s Spokesman as Interim Chair

NIPR Kogi Recalibrates Chapter, Elects Gov Ododo’s Spokesman as Interim Chair

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kogi State Chapter, have moved to reactivate the activities of the institute in the state, adopting the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Ismaila Isah, as interim coordinator.

The decision was reached at the end of a one-day stakeholders’ breakfast meeting held in Lokoja, where public relations professionals from across sectors gathered to chart a new course for the profession.

Details of the resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Yabagi Mohammed.

According to the communiqué, both registered and prospective practitioners met to forge a united front and reposition the profession in Kogi State. The meeting unanimously adopted Isah to coordinate the affairs of the chapter pending the conduct of a valid election to constitute a substantive executive committee.

The gathering, described as the first of its kind in the state, brought together PR professionals from the private sector, civil and public service, as well as academia. Stakeholders noted that efforts to revive the chapter had been ongoing for some time, with concerned members working behind the scenes to ensure practitioners close ranks and strengthen the body.

After extensive deliberations, the meeting resolved that Public Relations practice in Kogi State has grown significantly and should have progressed beyond its current level. Participants emphasized that PR is a management and professional function, not a routine assignment for spokespersons.

The communiqué stressed that public relations officers and spokespersons are not “mere errand boys” called upon only for reputation management or damage control. Instead, it maintained that PR professionals must be integrated into major decision-making processes within their organizations.

The body further resolved that PR is a proactive function that requires consistent engagement to promote mutual understanding among stakeholders. According to the communiqué, practitioners can only design effective messaging when they are part of policy formulation and strategic planning.

The chapter also observed that, just as in governance and public administration, PR should not be treated as an afterthought. It described public relations as a core leadership responsibility that helps bridge communication gaps capable of breeding distrust and eroding credibility.

On professional conduct, members stressed the need for practitioners to prioritize accuracy over speed in disseminating information about their organizations or principals. They noted that strengthening PR education remains critical to national development, as it bridges the gap between government and citizens, fosters social cohesion, and enhances economic stability.

The communiqué added that a structured, ethical and professional approach to public relations is essential for managing national reputation, preventing misinformation and building trust between government and the public.

The meeting also featured paper presentations by participants from academia, government and the private sector, focusing on strategies to reposition the profession and deepen its impact in Kogi State.