By joshua NIPR KOGI CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI ISMAILA ISAH CONSTITUTES ADVISORY COUNCIL, VOWS ALL-INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
…Warns Against Illegal PR Practice, Calls For Registration Of Information Officers
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Kogi State Chapter, Alhaji Ismaila Isah, on Monday met with past elders and leaders of the Institute in the State, pledging to run an all-inclusive administration.
The meeting, held in Lokoja, had in attendance veteran PR practitioners including Elder Bola Boro, Pastor Ezekiel Oyekanmi, Pastor James Adedoyin and Mr. Stephen Salawu.
Alhaji Isah announced that the past elders and leaders have been constituted into an Advisory Council to guide the Institute and provide strategic direction for the growth of the profession in Kogi State.
He solicited the support of the elders in galvanizing members to register with the Institute as stipulated by law, and called for their active involvement in monthly meetings, PR clinics, training and retraining programs.
“We need your wealth of experience. This administration will be open, participatory and committed to repositioning NIPR in Kogi. The Advisory Council will be central to our plans for training, mentorship and professional development,” he said.
The Chairman cautioned against the illegal practice of Public Relations in the State, noting that the NIPR Act CAP N114 LFN 2004 makes it an offense for unregistered persons to practice PR.
He specifically called on Information Officers serving in the State to join the Institute, warning that a clampdown on non-registered practitioners will soon commence.
“Very soon, enforcement will begin. No one should practice public relations without proper registration and certification. It is both a professional and legal requirement,” he warned.
In their responses, the elders commended the Chairman for the initiative and assured him of their support.
Elder Bola Boro, stressed the need for PR practitioners to be given the respect and value they deserve in government and organizations.
Pastor Ezekiel Oyekanmi described the job of Public Relations Officers as management inclined and critical to governance.
Pastor James Adedoyin and Mr. Stephen Salawu pledged to support initiatives that will boost members’ morale and deepen public awareness of the profession.
The elders further noted that the Ministry of Information remains a major nucleus of PR practice and must lead by example in ensuring its officers are registered members of NIPR.
About NIPR
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations is the chartered professional body that regulates the practice of Public Relations in Nigeria. It was established by Decree 16 of 1990, now *NIPR Act CAP N114 LFN 2004*.
The Key Functions of NIPR include: Regulation & Professional Standards Register and license PR practitioners, enforce code of ethics, and discipline offenders.
Capacity Building: Certification, training, workshops, and accreditation of PR courses in tertiary institutions.
Promotion of PR Profession: Advocacy, research, and recognition of excellence through awards.
Public Interest: Advisory role to government and organizations on communication, reputation and crisis management.
Membership & Welfare: Networking and protection of professional rights of registered practitioners.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the current leadership and elders to reposition NIPR Kogi Chapter for greater professionalism and impact.