The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) concluded its landmark 2025 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which began last week Monday and concluded on the 24th of May, uniting over 1,500 professionals, policymakers, academics, and, interestingly, traditional leaders, to discuss advancing communication strategies in an era of rapid technological and socio-political change, among other issues.
Prior the Uyo showdown, there were pre-conference webinars held between March and May 2025 to set the stage for the summit. Crisis Proofing Your Business in a BANI Environment, organized with CMC Connect LLP, explored strategies in volatile climates. Fred L. Oghenesivbe’s analysis of Presidential Spokespersons in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic critiqued the communication tactics of past administrations, urging spokespersons to prioritize factual clarity over political expediency. Drawbridge Organisation’s session on Reputation Risk Management highlighted preemptive auditing, while Dr. Peter Oyeneye (frijpr) redefined brand loyalty through emotional connectivity in Public Relations in Marketing & Brand Building. Susan Amu, a Kenyan PR expert, closed the webinar series with Modern Trends in Public Relations, advocating for cultural fluency in global campaigns.
The five-day summit, punctuated by plenaries, breakout sessions, and cultural showcases, tackled pressing issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), crisis management, influencer marketing, and the role of traditional institutions in modern governance.
The event commenced on May 16 with the Public Relations Stakeholders Roundtable with Traditional Rulers, which reflects the symbiotic relationship between cultural heritage and contemporary public relations. Later, the event shifted to the Undergraduate Forum, led by Barr. Chimdi Neliaku, President of Youth Hub, where the imperative of equipping young Nigerians with digital literacy and advocacy skills were highlighted.
Day Two, was a whirlwind of events which opened with Plenary 1: Ten Things Shaping the Future of Public Relations, delivered by Dr. Omoniyi Ibletan (frijpr). He identified AI-driven analytics, hyper-localized content, and ethical transparency as non-negotiable trends for PR professionals.
The Opening Ceremony that followed saw the arrival of dignitaries, including Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, who reiterated the federal government’s commitment to leveraging PR for national cohesion. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who was represented by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, celebrated for his administration’s infrastructural strides, emphasized the role of subnational governments in aligning policy communication with citizen needs. Other governors were also represented while Director-Generals and heads of parastatals, CEOs among others were also among high profile individuals in attendance.
A highlight from the ceremony was the screening of The Soul of Akwa Ibom, a documentary showcasing the state’s cultural legacy, followed by goodwill messages from industry leaders who called for stronger private-public partnerships. The Keynote Address by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
The day also featured the installation of Dr. John Momoh (OON), Chairman of Channels Television, and Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller General of Customs, as Chair and Vice Chair of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG).
Parallel afternoon sessions on Day Two focused on specialized themes. Plenary 2: Nigerian Reputation Management Group, chaired by Yomi Badejo-Okusanya (frijpr), dissected reputational risks faced by multinational corporations in Nigeria. Panelists, including Francis Asuk, stressed proactive stakeholder engagement to preempt crises. Meanwhile, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura (frijpr) unveiled plans for a University of Public Relations and Leadership, arguing that Nigeria’s educational institutions must evolve to address global communication challenges. “The velocity of change in our industry demands curricula that blend theory with real-world agility,” he stated. Concurrently, Mr. Yakubu Lamai (mnjpr) spoke on the readiness of the institute to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, rallying for support for the institute ahead of the forthcoming global PR confab.
The evening’s Ndia Ibom Food & Drink Festival fused networking with cultural immersion, offering delegates a taste of Akwa Ibom’s culinary heritage. This blend of professional discourse and cultural celebration became a recurring theme, exemplified by the Ethnik Fashion Nite on Day Three, where traditional attire met contemporary design under the curation of Michael Effiong James.
Day Three, May 21, intensified discussions on strategy and technology. Plenary 3: Mastering the Strategy of Communication, led by Prof. Saudat Abdu-baqi (frijpr) and Adetokunbo Modupe (mnjpr), critiqued Nigeria’s policy communication frameworksamong other issues discussed. Plenary 4: Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Communication saw Dr. Monday Ashibogwu (frijpr) issuing a stark warning: “Algorithms lack cultural nuance. Without human oversight, AI risks eroding the trust we strive to build.”
Breakout sessions further explored niche topics. It explored Influencer Marketing & Management, where the rise of micro-influencers in driving grassroots engagement were highlighted. In Managing Crisis with Digital Tools, Segun McMedal (mnjpr) demonstrated predictive analytics software capable of flagging reputational threats in real time. “Crisis management is no longer reactive; it’s predictive,” he declared. Content Creation and Storytelling in Public Relations, led by Prof. Iyorza Stalinus (anjpr), was another area of focus at the confab.
The week’s intellectual rigor was balanced by cultural showcases, including performances by the Akwa Ibom State Cultural Troupe and the Akwa Ibom All Stars, whose renditions of traditional and contemporary music symbolized the state’s cultural duality.
Day Four, May 22, focused on institutional governance, with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) overseeing the induction of new NIPR fellows and the inauguration of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group’s advisory body. Governor Umo Eno’s investiture as NIPR Patron was also held on this further reiterated the summit’s focus on governance-PR synergy.
How the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) in pictures
While day closed with a extravagant and fun-filled Closing Party – Ayaiya, Day Five was mostly for tourism activities, including visits Ibuno Beach, at Eket, where delegates had the opportunity to have fun on one of the world’s longest beachline.