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After NIPR Elections, What Next on PR Practice in Nigeria By Maryam Na-Allah

August 29, 2023

After NIPR Elections, What Next on PR Practice in Nigeria By Maryam Na-Allah

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) recently elected Dr. Ike Neliaku and Prof Emmanuel Dandaura as President and Vice President by members of the Governing Council of the Institute.

The members were previous elected at the end of the Institute’ Annual General Meeting in Abuja. The Institute is run by a 22-member Governing Council made up of 17 elected members and 5 nominees of the Federal Government.

The elected governing council members are Dr SuleYau Sule, Ini Ememobong Essien, Dr Ike Neliaku, Bashir Adamu Chedi, Dr Adewale Oladipo Oyekanmi, Okoh Thelma Chika, Kabir Ali Kobi and Adaramola Temitope.

Other include Professor Kate Azuga Ominuga, Dr Saidat Salah Abdulnaqi, Prof Emmanuel Dandaura, Professor Sarah Benjamin Luwahas, Prince Ford Ozumba, Pastor Paulinus Eyinda Nsirim, Olubunmi Adedoyin Badejo, Akin Agbejule and Bajulaye Adetokunbo.

The elections marked a significant event in the professional landscape of Nigeria’s public relations (PR) sector. As the dust settles after the elections, it is vital to shift our focus towards the future of public relations practice in the country. Delving into the key areas that require attention and action post-NIPR elections, the aim is to further enhance the quality and impact of PR practice in Nigeria.

Leadership’s Role in Shaping the Future

One of the most important aspects following the NIPR elections is the role of the newly elected leaders. The winners of the elections hold the responsibility of setting the tone for the PR community in Nigeria. Their actions, decisions, and initiatives can greatly influence the direction in which PR practice evolves. As key characters in this narrative, they can play a pivotal role in shaping the following areas:

Upholding Ethical Standards

The newly elected leaders and members, with their fresh perspectives, can lead efforts to reinforce ethical standards within the PR community. By championing transparency, accountability, and integrity, they can create an environment where ethical conduct is not just encouraged but expected. Collaborating with NIPR, they can initiate workshops, seminars, and certification programs to enhance ethical awareness and professional development among PR practitioners.

Advocating for PR’s Importance

This new council can use their positions to drive home the importance of PR in Nigerian businesses, government institutions, and non-profit sectors. Through strategic partnerships and engagement with stakeholders, they can emphasize how PR contributes to effective communication, reputation management, and overall success. By showcasing real-world examples, they can make a compelling case for recognizing PR as a crucial component of organizational success.

Embracing Technological Innovation

In the wake of NIPR elections, PR practitioners can work closely with the newly elected leaders to embrace technology and innovation. The integration of technology, social media analytics, data-driven insights, and AI tools can enhance audience engagement, track campaign effectiveness, and adapt strategies in real-time. The elected leaders can champion the adoption of these innovations, showcasing their potential for revolutionizing PR practice in a digital age.

Elevating Research and Insights

The newly elected leaders can also play a crucial role in elevating the importance of research and insights within PR campaigns. By collaborating with NIPR, they can facilitate industry-specific research that provides data-driven insights. Sharing these insights with stakeholders can demonstrate the strategic value of PR and its role in shaping decision-making processes.

Continuous Learning and Capacity Building

NIPR, together with the elected leaders, can create platforms for continuous learning and capacity building. Workshops, webinars, and mentorship programs can provide young professionals with practical skills and knowledge. These leaders can actively participate in these initiatives, imparting their experiences and wisdom to foster a new generation of PR practitioners who are well-equipped to drive the industry forward.

Fostering Collaboration

In the aftermath of NIPR elections, the elected leaders can lead the charge in fostering collaboration among PR practitioners, agencies, and related industries. By creating forums for networking and idea exchange, they can encourage cross-disciplinary approaches and creative solutions to emerging challenges. Their leadership can pave the way for meaningful partnerships that enrich the overall PR landscape.

Putting into consideration the newly elected president, Dr. Neliaku’s statement as he resumed office; he announced that a New Dawn has been birthed with his emergence.

“The implication of this will demand a new approach and attitude towards work. He promised to enhance their work environment and ensure regular training to better prepare them for efficient service delivery. He noted that they must be very responsive to the communications needs of members, so as to prevent frequent complaints by members,” he said.

In light of the recent inauguration of Dr. Neliaku as the newly elected president, his commencement speech marks the dawn of a promising era for the NIPR. With his emergence, the organization stands on the cusp of transformation, driven by his vision for progress and innovation.

Dr. Neliaku’s resounding declaration of a “New Dawn” signifies not only a change in leadership but also a call for a shift in our collective mindset and approach to our responsibilities. As we step into this new chapter, it is incumbent upon us to adopt a fresh perspective and a proactive attitude towards our work. His pledge to enhance our work environment speaks to his commitment to our well-being, recognizing that a conducive workplace is pivotal in fostering productivity and morale.

Furthermore, Dr. Neliaku’s promise to prioritize regular training underscores his dedication to equipping us with the skills and knowledge necessary for exemplary service delivery. By investing in our professional development, he underscores his belief in our potential to contribute significantly to the NIPR’s success. His emphasis on responsiveness to the communications needs of our members is a testament to his attentiveness to the concerns of our constituents. This approach aims to create a harmonious and productive relationship, minimizing the occurrence of member complaints and reinforcing the organization’s reputation for excellence.

As the NIPR moves forward under the leadership of Dr. Neliaku, It should embrace this call for change with enthusiasm and unwavering commitment. The journey ahead may present challenges, but with collective efforts, guided by his vision, it, the NIPR is poised to elevate the NIPR to unprecedented heights of accomplishment and influence.

As Nigeria’s PR community transitions beyond the NIPR elections, the involvement of key characters like Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, Dr. Saudah Abdul-baqi, Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and other prominent members offers a unique opportunity to drive the industry forward. By focusing on ethical standards, advocacy, technological integration, research, capacity building, and collaboration, PR professionals can collectively elevate the status of the industry and contribute to the growth and success of organizations across the nation. The NIPR’s “New Dawn” is not just a change in leadership; it’s a rallying call for a brighter future in PR practice in Nigeria.

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Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba, a Staff Writer with the Spokesperson’s Digest is an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University obtaining a Bsc in Media Communication Culture and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Email: [email protected]