NPRW 2025 Day 2: Investiture Of Eno, Installation Of Momoh-Led NRMG, Others Dominate Proceedings
Across the public and private sectors, about 1200 delegates including government officials, PR practitioners, academics, and international guests and other key stakeholders from different states of the federation, including the federal capital territory, Abuja, converged at the prestigious Ceedapeg Hotel, at the heart of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, for the second day of the ongoing Nigeria Public Relations Week.
Building on the momentum of Day 1’s Stakeholders Roundtable meeting with traditional leaders, engagement with students of the University of Uyo and a Manifesto Night, Day 2 shifted focus to strategic discourse, national pride; the celebration of Nigeria’s public relations legacy and the exploration of themes shaping the future of communication.
The day’s agenda which blended keynote address, plenary sessions, and other activities that have reaffirmed NPRW’s status as Africa’s premier PR think-tank.
The day commenced with the first plenary chaired by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, a seasoned PR strategist, delivered a riveting presentation titled “Ten Things Shaping the Future of Public Relations.” He highlighted disruptive trends such as artificial intelligence, decentralized media, and ethical transparency, urging practitioners to “embrace agility or risk obsolescence.”
Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Chairman of the National Planning Committee, set the tone with his welcome address. He lauded the NIPR leadership for entrusting his team with the conference’s execution, but humbly redirected accolades: “The real heroes are the committee members who stayed up Sunday nights to burn the midnight oil to ensure every detail aligns with our vision of excellence.”
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, followed with a stirring address. He welcomed delegates to stressing PR’s role in national development: “In an era of misinformation, we are the custodians of truth. Let us wield our craft to unite, not divide.” He also gave delegates details of the Nigeria’s hosting ogf the Global Alliance of PR professionals.
The keynote, delivered by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, tied economic strategy to communication. He argued that “tax reforms are not just fiscal tools but narratives of national trust,” urging PR professionals to bridge gaps between policymakers and citizens. “When people understand the ‘why’ behind policies, compliance ceases to be a struggle,” he asserted.
The emotional apex of the day came with Posthumous Awards to late PR icons, including pioneers like the late Christiana Essien-Igbokwe; late HRM Oba Olufemi Ogunleye and late elder Uduak Obot. Families of the recipients received plaques amid tributes.
Next, the occasion served as a platform to have Dr. John Momoh, OON, Chairman of Channels Television, installed as Chair of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), with Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi as Vice.
Special Host of the occasion and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammadu Idris took the podium to align his ministry’s goals with NIPR’s mandate.
Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who was represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi then presented Governor Umo Eno’s achievements, highlighting rural healthcare expansion and digital infrastructure. She accepted his investiture as NIPR Patron, noting that the governor will continue to support its institute in its stride towards national development. “Akwa Ibom is proud to host this confluence of minds. Our governor’s vision aligns with NIPR’s—to communicate progress with integrity.”
Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, NIPR Vice President, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging sponsors, volunteers, and the Akwa Ibom government.