On World PR Day, NIPR Charts Bold Path to National Renewal
As the world marked the 2025 World Public Relations Day (WPRD), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has reaffirmed its commitment to using public relations as a strategic tool for national healing, leadership transformation, and global positioning.
In a special message to practitioners and stakeholders across the country, President of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Day as a moment of reflection, recommitment, and rebirth for Nigeria’s public relations community.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Bridges and Overcoming Polarization,” he said, aligns with the Institute’s long-standing mission of fostering relationships, advancing good governance, and bridging divides in society.
According to Dr. Neliaku, public relations in Nigeria has evolved beyond media protocol roles to become a vital leadership function, capable of shaping institutions and driving inclusive development through clear, strategic communication.
“As the largest public relations body in Africa, NIPR continues to build platforms that groom credible leaders and define a new narrative for our country,” he stated.
“This World PR Day is an opportunity for us to evaluate our roles and recommit to building a stronger, more united Nigeria.”
Highlighting some of the Institute’s flagship interventions, Dr. Neliaku referenced the Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security held in 2022, which he said was a timely response to growing distrust and fragmentation in the country.
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He also pointed to the Nigeria Spokespersons Summit (NSS), convened in April 2025, as a successful channel through which the Federal Government’s tax reforms were effectively communicated to communities across all 36 states.
Perhaps the most ambitious of the Institute’s initiatives is the proposed University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to bridging the leadership gap in Africa.
Dr. Neliaku thanked the Nasarawa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Leadership Advancement Foundation, and the Global Alliance for their support in advancing this vision.
The NIPR President also expressed excitement over Nigeria’s selection to host the prestigious 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), which will bring professionals from over 120 countries to Nigerian soil.
“This is not just an event,” he said. “It’s a national rebranding project that positions Nigeria as a global thought leader in communication and governance.”
Calling for unity within and outside the profession, Dr. Neliaku urged all chapters of the Institute, as well as government, private sector, and civil society partners, to support NIPR’s bold initiatives.
He stressed that public relations must be wielded not only to manage reputation, but also to inspire trust, repair social bonds, and chart a new national direction.
“As we celebrate, let us not forget that our nation needs bridge builders more than ever,” he said.
“Let us be the professionals who build trust where others build walls. Let us raise the new Nigerians that will build the new Nigeria.”
