The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) observed a sombre Chapter’s Night in Kaduna, held as part of the 2026 NIPR Week (NIPRW) activities.
The gathering, which also served as a retirement celebration honouring fellow member Mrs. Obo Mesembe for her 35 years of meritorious service to the Federal Government, was overshadowed by the recent passing of Dr. (Mrs.) Augustine Mboso, wife of the Chapter Chairman. The loss cast an atmosphere of grief, reflection, and solidarity among members and friends of the institute.
In a show of unity and compassion, the Cross River delegation and other NIPR members, led by the Vice Chairman and Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Mrs. Eme Awatt, offered prayers for the repose of her soul and for comfort for the Mboso family led by Elder Obo Mesembe and SP Nelson Okpabi(Rtd).
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Eme Awatt described the death as a painful loss, not only to the immediate family but to the entire NIPR community, noting that Dr. Mboso has remained a pillar within the institute.
She maintained that despite the prevailing grief, the Chapter’s Night still fulfilled its traditional purpose of fostering camaraderie, strengthening professional bonds, and encouraging solidarity among members.
Also speaking, an elder of the Institute, Mr. Kris Nku, reflected on the importance of empathy and support within the profession, especially in times of personal loss. He urged members to remain united as an indivisible group if they are to achieve their collective goals.
The 2026 NIPR Week is being attended by the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong, among others and was declared open by the Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday.
Addressing public relations professionals, government officials, and media stakeholders from across the country, the Vice President emphasised the critical role of strategic communication in nation-building, reputation management, and fostering unity. He urged practitioners to uphold ethical standards, bridge trust gaps, and deploy public relations as a tool for national development.
Themed “Food Security: From Policy Papers to Public Plates:The Imperatives of Public Relations” and tagged “Croc City 2026,” the week-long event was convened by the NIPR under its National President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and hosted by the Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Uba Sani.
It brought together leading voices in governance, media, and communications for a week of dialogue, capacity building, and policy engagement.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Brylyne Chitsunge, Pan-African Parliament Ambassador for Food Security and CEO of Elpasso Farms, South Africa, delivered a keynote address on effective policy redirections. Meanwhile, the President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Arik Karani, in his goodwill message, stressed the importance of indigenous promotion of the country’s reputation to the global community.
Nakanda Iyadim
