The newly inaugurated Executive Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kogi State Chapter, has pledged to reposition the chapter for greater relevance, professionalism, inclusiveness and institutional impact in Kogi State and beyond.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja on Saturday, the Chairman of the State Executive Committee, Mr. Ismaila Isah, MNIPR, described his emergence as both an honour and a call to service aimed at strengthening the public relations profession and restoring the vibrancy of the Kogi State Chapter.
Mr. Isah welcomed the President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, who was represented by the chairman, Chapter Development and Support Committee, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh; the Registrar of the Institute, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, FNIPR; and the Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, FNIPR.
The Chairman noted that the inauguration marks the beginning of a new phase for the chapter, emphasizing the need for unity, innovation, ethical conduct and collective responsibility among members.
He paid glowing tribute to notable pioneers and stakeholders who sustained the chapter through difficult periods, including Pastor Ogala Sani, Pastor James Adedoyin, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, Chief Steven Salawu, Mr. John Amobeda, Mr. Adeku Adava, Mr. Austyn Ochu, Mr. Emmanuel Boro and several others whose sacrifices kept the institute active over the years.
According to him, public relations remains critical to nation-building, strategic communication, conflict resolution and reputation management, especially in an era challenged by misinformation, digital disruption and declining public trust.
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He assured members that the administration would be guided by transparency, inclusiveness and purposeful leadership, with focus on strengthening membership participation, promoting professional development, deepening stakeholder engagement, encouraging young professionals, restoring the visibility of the chapter and ensuring a credible transition to a substantive executive council.
Hon. Ismaila Isah, Interim Chairman, Kogi NIPR
He also called on members of the Institute to set aside personal interests and work collectively toward rebuilding the chapter and advancing the ideals of the profession.
Mr. Isah also expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the Institute, elders of the profession and stakeholders for their support and confidence in the newly inaugurated leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh conveyed the goodwill and greetings of the national leadership of the Institute to members of the Kogi State Chapter and commended stakeholders in the state for their commitment and resilience in reviving the chapter and restoring its relevance within the community professional bodies in the state.
Dr. Sajoh charged the newly inaugurated executive committee to provide purposeful, ethical and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the Institute and deepening members’ participation.
He further stressed that individuals practicing public relations without membership and professional certification from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) risk legal sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the Institute’s enabling law and professional regulations.
He also encouraged students from tertiary institutions across the state who attended the ceremony to remain committed to professionalism and ethical communication, describing them as the future of the public relations profession in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Registrar of the Institute, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, FNIPR, congratulated the newly inaugurated leadership and urged members to uphold the ethical standards and ideals of the profession through unity and sustained cooperation.
Similarly, the Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, FNIPR, commended members of the NIPR in Kogi State for their determination toward rebuilding the chapter and reaffirmed the support of the FCT Chapter toward the growth and development of NIPR in the state.
The inauguration ceremony featured the administration of the oath of office on members of the Executive Committee by the Registrar of the Institute, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, FNIPR, formally inaugurating the new leadership to oversee the affairs of the chapter.
As part of activities marking the inauguration, the Kogi State Chapter unveiled a branded materials designed to strengthen the identity and visibility of the Institute during advocacy visits to public and private institutions and student engagement programmes within the state.
The FCT chapter of the institute also supported the initiative with a financial donation to aid the production branded items for professional outreaches by the Chapter.
The inauguration attracted public relations practitioners, media professionals, government officials, stakeholders, lecturers and students from Mass Communication Departments of various institutions in the state, invited guests from within and outside Kogi State.
The Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to building a chapter that will serve as a model of excellence, professionalism and credibility within the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Members of the Newly Inaugurated Executive Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kogi State Chapter include:
1. Ismaila Isah – Chairman
2. Tade Oshaloto – Vice Chairman
3. Mike Abuh – Secretary
4. Fati Ohiare – Assistant Secretary/ICT
5. Bishop Aturu – Public Relations Officer
6. Nwankwo Daniel – Welfare Officer
7. Yemi Balogun – Treasurer
8. Khadijat Abubakar – Financial Secretary
9. Tairu Momoh – Internal Auditor
Ex-Officio Members
i. Suleiman Ibrahim
ii. Emmanuel Bello
iii. Austyn Ochu
