The Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill has called on employers in the country to ensure that those who work in the public relations units of their organisations are registered with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(NIPR).
The Vice Chancellor who made the call while declaring open a two- day special conference and workshop organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt on Thursday August 3, 2023, at University of Port Harcourt, stated that this has become expedient in order to stem the tide of quackery and unprofessional practices in the PR space.
Prof. Georgewill promised to build a synergy between the University and the NIPR in curtailing the activities of qacks who pretend to have PR skills they do not possess.
His words, ‘You can’t do PR without being a member of this institute.
”If you are not a member and you say you are practising, what are you practising? And that is why I am glad my students are here; you are looking at them now, that is the aspiration that tomorrow they will graduate, become members so that they can practise their profession in a regulated manner”.
”Anybody who is not a member of a council that regulates a profession is just a quack. You are just practising on your own. And I believe that with this message, institutions will ensure those who work in their organisations must be those who are registered with the institute so that we will stop quacks all over the place, saying everybody is a public relations expert when the institute does not even know you”
In his own speech, the President and Chairman of Council, NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, emphasised the indispensibility of communication, saying it has an inestimable value both in human society and beyond.
”The communication family is the best family in the world because it is one that is based on relationship building. It is one profession that all other professions rely on to succeed; infact not just here, even yonder when we all die. We all hope to get to heaven but ones we get there we are not going to get sick, so, we can say to hell with doctors; there will be no litigations; there will be no bridge collapse, so, no engineer but one thing that we will continue to do even there is communicate”, he said.
Delivering a key note address at the event, former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, appealed to NIPR members to exhibit professionalism to avoid being misrepresented.
She lamented that politics have influenced alot of PR professionals going against the code of conduct of the profession.
Earlier, Prof. Walter Ihejirika, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Interim Dean, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, said the conference with the theme, ”Public Relations and Governance: Unveiling Pathways for Socio-Political Inclusiveness and Economic Recovery”, and workshop: ”Strategic Public Affairs and Lobbying in Public and Private Sector Organisations were products of a maiden partnership between the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the new faculty of Communications and Media Studies , University of Port Harourt.
He said the event was for academics, public relations professionals, government spokespersons, press secretaries, communication directors, heads of public relations department, company executives, graduate students, and professionals in the field of communication , marketing, fine art and allied disciplines.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen at the event, the Chairman of NIPR Team Unique, Chief Sunny Ikeokwu, said the event was a strategic partnership with the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt and Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.
”This is believed to the first of its kind collaboration with a university and the institute to foster synergy towards a common goal, brokered by NIPR Team Unique . This was done in strategic partnership with the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations . The event provided a unique opportunity that enabled the induction of approximately 30 inductees into the PR profession and members of the academia to engage in discussions about the significance of public relations in the context of governance, inclusiveness, and economic growth.
”The theme of the conference was Public Relations and Governance: Unveiling Pathways for Socio-Political Inclusiveness and Economic Recovery while the theme of the workshop was focused on Strategic Public Affairs and Lobbying for PR Professionals in Public and Private Sector Organizations and took place on the second day of the event.
”The primary objective of the workshop was to equip PR professionals with the necessary tools and techniques to effectively manage public affairs and lobbying activities within their respective organizations. It aimed to address the growing need for skilled professionals who can create and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their stakeholders.
”It was organized to enhance the skills and knowledge of PR professionals in public and private sector organizations.
”The event started with an induction ceremony that had the VC of university of Port Harcourt and the President of the institute along with the Registrar of the institute who administered an oath to 30 new inductees.
” The workshop began with an inaugural address by the chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, who emphasized the need for PR professionals to adopt strategic public affairs management practices.
” The first session focused on understanding the legal and regulatory framework governing lobbying and public affairs in Nigeria. Participants learned about best practices for ethical and transparent lobbying and public affairs management.
”The second session involved examining the various methodologies used in developing successful public affairs strategies. Participants were encouraged to analyze their organization’s needs and align their public affairs efforts accordingly.
” Several case studies were presented to demonstrate the successful application of public affairs and lobbying strategies. Participants were encouraged to explore the challenges faced by these organizations and suggest alternative tactics.
”The first session on the second day emphasized the importance of stakeholder mapping and communication in public affairs. Participants were taught how to identify and prioritize stakeholders and tailor their organization’s messaging to effectively communicate with them.
” This session explored the emerging role of digital lobbying and the use of social media platforms as effective tools for public affairs management. Participants were given insights into the need for creating an online presence to engage with stakeholders and influence policymaking.
”The workshop focused on crisis management and media relations as critical components of public affairs. Participants were provided with the tools to develop an effective crisis communication plan and manage media relations.
”On the other hand, the conference provided a platform for PR professionals, academics, and government officials to network, fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas.
”Furthermore, the workshop portion of the event enabled participants to hone their PR skills, learning new trends and techniques relevant to their professional development.
”The 30 new inductees benefited from a formal introduction to the PR profession, receiving guidance and support from experienced professionals as they embark on their careers.
”The support of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, UNIPORT and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations elevated the profile of both organizations, showcasing their commitment to furthering the public relations profession and advancing the field in Nigeria.
” The conference enabled the exchange of academic research and ideas, providing avenues for collaborative partnerships between institutions and offering funding opportunities for future projects.
”The event facilitated cooperation between organizations, fostering a spirit of collaboration for the betterment of both parties and the development of stronger public relations in Nigeria.
”Numerous members of the academia presented their research papers, touching on several critical topics, such as:The role of public relations in enhancing transparency, accountability, and credibility in governance; the use of digital technology to establish and maintain more inclusive channels of communication between the government and its citizens; Approaches for leveraging public relations to foster economic recovery, attract investment, and stimulate growth.
”The conference and workshop served as a thought-provoking and enriching platform for both participants and organizations. It highlighted the importance of public relations as a vital tool for enhancing governance, inclusiveness, and economic growth in Nigeria and provided valuable learning opportunities to those in attendance. The event also created avenues for the development of partnerships between institutions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the public relations profession in the country.
”The event was sponsored by The Coca-Cola company and witnessed the participation of 30 inductees, over 100 conference participants which majority were students and over 40 workshop participants from various sectors, creating a rich pool of shared experience and collaborative learning”, he stated.
