..as New State Exco Takes Oath of Office
The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has emphasized the need for the Cross River State Government to domesticate the Federal Government circular on the cadrenization of its information officers.
According to him, this move would accord public relations practitioners in the State the recognition they deserve, similar to practices at the federal level.
Dr. Neliaku, represented by Council member and former Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, made this call in Calabar during the grand finale of the maiden edition NIPR Week which coincided with the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Council members and the 29th Edwin Eja Memorial Lecture held at Hogis Royale, Calabar, over the weekend.
He noted that implementing the circular on cadrenization would not only change the title of information officers to Information and Public Relations Officers but would also enhance confidence in the profession, empower practitioners in public communication, and improve productivity for effective service delivery.
The Governing Council Boss thanked Governor Bassey Edet Otu for donating a parcel of land for the State Chapter's image house and extended gratitude to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, for his instrumental role in the acquisition and active participation in their activities.
Reacting to the 29th Edwin Eja lecture theme, "AI in Public Relations: Disruption or Opportunity for Practitioners?", Dr. Neliaku informed attendees that AI is here to stay, urging professionals to develop AI skills and utilize available tools to adapt to current realities if they must remain relevant in their place of work.
While congratulating the newly sworn-in State Executive members, led by Pastor Austin Mboso, he encouraged them to remain united and implement programmes that would foster growth of the body in the State through consistent training.
He also thanked the outgoing State Chairman, Mr. Benedict Onah Okache, for his significant contributions to the success of the national body and his dedication to standardizing public relations practice in Cross River State and wished him well in his future endeavour.
Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Daniel Udofia, Chairman and CEO of Davanla Nigeria Limited, urged public relations professionals to help restore the country's damaged image and pledged support to the State Chapter.
In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang congratulated the new State Executive Council and committed to supporting their success.
On his part, the Guest of Honour and Group Managing Director of Hogis Group, Dr. Ikechukwu Okwe called on the institute to create a suitable training curriculum for hoteliers in the State, stressing the need for improved human and public relations skills to enhance service delivery in the hospitality industry.
Earlier in his address, the immediate past chairman of the Chapter, Mr. Benedict Okache explained that his administration focused on Professionalizing Public Relations and giving the Institute visibility in the State, which he accomplished within available resources.
He appreciated the State Government for the enabling environment given to practitioners to thrive and the support enjoyed from the Government and her parastatals.
While speaking on the theme of the NIPR Week, Pastor Mboso mentioned that although AI is taking over jobs, it will not take over emotional intelligence and relationships building, as well as other human relational activities of Public Relations practice.
Highlights of the occasion included Award presentations, among others.
Nakanda Iyadim and Esther Okoi
