By joshua NIPR KOGI CHAPTER TAKES ADVOCACY TO GRAPHIC NEWSPAPERS, DECORATES MD AS HONORARY MEMBER
…Urges Media Practitioners To Regularize Membership, Warns Against Illegal PR Practice
The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, on Monday stormed the premises of Graphic Newspapers in Lokoja to drum support for media practitioners and communication professionals to join the Institute.
Leading the advocacy visit, the Kogi State Chapter Chairman of NIPR, Alhaji Ismaila Isah, said the visit was part of efforts to expand the Institute’s membership base and deepen professionalism in public relations practice across the state.
Alhaji Isah highlighted the gains of joining NIPR, noting that membership provides practitioners with professional certification, training, networking opportunities, and national recognition.
He stressed that under the NIPR Act CAP N114 LFN 2004, it is an offense for any individual to practice public relations without being a registered member of the Institute, with penalties attached.
“The Institute is the only body statutorily empowered to regulate the practice of public relations in Nigeria. It is important for all those practicing PR, including journalists handling PR functions, to regularize their membership to avoid running foul of the law,” he said.
The NIPR Chairman assured that the Institute is ready to provide a registration platform for staff of Graphic Newspapers. He also appealed for the organization’s support to enable members of Graphic who are already NIPR members to attend the 2026 World Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, WNIPR Conference coming up in November.
As part of the visit, the Managing Director of Graphic Newspapers was decorated as an Honorary Member of NIPR, pending his formal registration and induction. The decoration, according to Alhaji Isah, recognizes the MD’s contribution to media and public communication in the state.
In his remarks, the Managing Director lauded NIPR for its commitment to professionalism. He praised Alhaji Isah for his efforts at revitalizing the Kogi Chapter and repositioning the Institute for greater impact.
He assured that Graphic Newspapers will mobilize its members to join the Institute and will also provide publicity support for NIPR activities in the state.
“We appreciate this advocacy. As a media organization, we understand the importance of professionalism. We will encourage our staff to key into NIPR and we will partner with you to promote the ideals of the Institute,” the MD said.
The NIPR delegation to Graphic Newspapers included some members of the state executive and other registered members.
From Graphic Newspapers, the Corporation Secretary, the Editor, and other top management staff were on ground to receive the NIPR team.
The visit ended with a call for stronger collaboration between NIPR Kogi Chapter and Graphic Newspapers to promote ethical communication and professional excellence in the state.