The 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) FCT Chapter has come to an end amidst massive success stories.
The 3-day event kicked off at Baze University Abuja on Tuesday, November 29 with a PR Workshop organised for students of Mass Communication who gathered from various academic institutions within the FCT.
It was in advancement of the Chapter’s corporate social responsibility which has education and youth empowerment as key pillars.
The knowledge-packed professional workshop had experts from divers fields who came to share experiences with the visibly elated Mass Communication undergraduates.
The Chairman, NIPR-FCT, Stanley Ogadigo in his remarks, reiterated the commitment of the numero uno Chapter towards making an increased investment in education through its Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR&S), so that students will be more equipped to compete favourably in the larger society upon graduation.
First on the list of resource persons to mount the podium was Babatunde Oladapo of the Communications and Liaison Department of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
He spoke on “Public Relations Profession: Prospects and Challenges in a Dynamic Global Environment” where he urged the students to brace up for the continously changing trends in the sector in order to remain relevant.
Also, Yekeen Akinwale, the Abuja Bureau chief of The Cable, a popular online news platform spoke on “Preparing for AI-driven Public Relations Landscape: Skills and Strategies for Success”. He revealed ten AI tools that can help the students in both their academic pursuit and in the general society.
See images from the Day 1 PR workshop below
The second day on the activities heralding the AGM was the professional workshop held at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Jahi, Abuja where renowned experts also shared experiences with participants.
First on the list to mount the podium was the Principal of Nynnah Attorneys, Dr. Ninnah Samuel who spoke on AI and New Media Protocols. She advised participants at the workshop to imbibe the right etiquette in their communications, posts and comments especially on social media, as the internet never forgets. She said their interactions on the social media could form a yardstick for others to form opinions about them.
Also, the Secretary-General of African Public Relations Association (APRA), Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan took to the stage where he spoke on Strategic and Humanised Approaches to Managing Stakeholders Expectations During Economic Downturn.
He underlined the need for adequate measurement so that organisations can know areas to make improvement.
Also, the President and Chairman of Council, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku made a presentation which centered on PR Beyond Borders: Reputation Strategies for Building Agencies for Global Competitiveness.
He noted that building a sustainable global reputation and competitiveness as an organisation is achievable but requires a robust public relations strategy.
See images from the Day 2 PR workshop below
The final day, Thursday, November 29 was the AGM proper which had as theme, “Leadership and Economic Transformation”. It took place at Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja.
The keynote Speaker and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo urged leaders to imbibe good negotiation skills and ability to resolve conflicts, which he said are two crucial tools that stand leaders out in their pursuit to make a remarkable difference.
He highlighted that capacity for financial management, budgeting, forecasting and understanding of project management also help leaders develop frontiers for economic transformation, even as he advised that critical thinking, strong communication, emotional intelligence and ability for collaboration are tools that help leaders effectively transform the society.
The event did not come to an end without an opportunity for members of the Chapter and invited guests to unwind at a very colourful dinner which held at the same venue.
It also featured conferment of awards on deserving individuals and organisations for their significant contributions towards the growth of the Chapter.
See list of award recipients below:
Transcorp Hilton: Long Time Partnership Award
Agnes Abaji: Exemplary PR Professional Award
Rightangle PR: Exemplary PR Agency Award
Ayo Adewuyi: Exemplary PR Professional Award
Ali Baba Atunyota Akpobome: Excellence in Entertainment Award
See images from AGM below
