By Joy Salami and Abraham Abubakar
The Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kogi State Chapter, Mr. Ismaila Isah, has reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to revitalizing the institute in the state, describing the visit to The Graphic Newspaper, as the first and strategic point of its advocacy tour.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the management of the state owned newspaper, Mr. Isah said the decision to begin the advocacy campaign with The Graphic was providential, noting the organization’s strategic role as the foremost print media platform of the Kogi State Government.
He explained that the chapter, which had been inactive for over a decade, is undergoing a revival aimed at repositioning the institute and strengthening professional public relations practice in the state.
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According to him, the institute remains the only legally recognized professional body empowered to regulate the practice of public relations and strategic communication in Nigeria.
“We are embarking on this advocacy visit to seek strategic partnership and support from key stakeholders. Beyond media coverage, we are requesting that one of your reporters accompanies us during our engagements across the state,” he further said.
The chairman also appealed to journalists and media practitioners engaged in public relations, spokesperson roles, event management, and related communication services to register with the NIPR in line with the provisions of its enabling law.
He stressed that registration with the institute provides legal backing, professional development opportunities, and access to a vast network of communication professionals.
Mr. Isah further disclosed that Nigeria will host the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja later this year, describing it as the first edition to be held in Africa. He urged members in Kogi State to register with the institute and participate in the national delegation to the global event.
Responding, the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa commended the NIPR leadership for taking steps to revive it’s state chapter and assured the delegation of the newspaper’s support.
He said The Graphic would partner with the institute by providing media coverage and supporting its advocacy programmes across the state.
“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.
Mr. Itopa also encouraged journalists interested in public relations practice to take advantage of the opportunity to register with the institute, noting that journalism and public relations are complementary professions and that both contribute to effective communication and public enlightenment.
He praised the chairman’s commitment to reviving the chapter and urged members of the executive committee to give him maximum support, stressing that collective effort is essential for success.
Also speaking, the Secretary of Kogi State chapter of NIPR , Mr. Mike Abu emphasized that registration with the institute is a legal requirement for anyone serving as a public relations officer or spokesperson in government ministries, departments, agencies, and other organizations.
He noted that the institute was working with its national leadership to provide opportunities and possible waivers for interested professionals to regularize their membership.
Mr. Abu also called on journalists and public relations practitioners in the state to take advantage of the current registration window to participate in the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Abuja.
