By Mokobia Rita.
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has intensified its call for professionalism and ethical conduct among members, with a strong emphasis on regular participation in branch clinics as a cornerstone for career growth and industry relevance.
At a well-attended clinic session in Asaba, members were reminded that professional excellence goes beyond titles and certifications, but must be reflected in consistent conduct, commitment to learning, and active engagement in all branch activities.
In his address, the Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, underscored the need for members to embrace discipline in all aspects of their professional lives, stressing that attendance at monthly clinics and participation in branch programmes are critical to staying informed and competitive in the evolving communication landscape.
He highlighted preparations for an upcoming national engagement scheduled to hold in Kaduna, describing it as a strategic platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional visibility. While encouraging members to attend, Osakwe also advised those unable to make the trip to obtain relevant materials to remain updated.
Beyond event participation, the Chairman charged members to take ownership of their professional development by building strong personal brands, acquiring specialised skills, and staying abreast of emerging trends in public relations practice.
“Professionalism is not occasional; it is a continuous responsibility. You must follow trends, stay informed, and position yourselves as credible stakeholders in your respective fields,” Osakwe stated.
In a more pointed admonition, Distinguished Fellow, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, called for a renewed culture of discipline and seriousness among practitioners, stressing that punctuality, regular clinic attendance, and active participation in institute activities are non-negotiable standards for any serious professional.
Elder Ogidi commended members for their turnout and appearance at the clinic but warned against complacency, noting that consistency is the true test of professionalism. He urged members to treat every clinic session as an opportunity for learning, self-improvement, and contribution to the growth of the institute.
“Let us be deliberate about our commitment. Attend clinics regularly, be punctual, and carry the values of this profession into every aspect of your lives. That is how we build credibility and earn respect,” he advised.
The session also reflected on the chapter’s recent participation in the International Women’s Day celebration in Warri, with members expressing satisfaction over the institute’s visibility and impact, while advocating deeper collaboration with agencies such as the NDLEA to address pressing societal challenges, including drug abuse.
New members were formally recognised and welcomed into the institute, with the Chairman reiterating that induction marks the beginning of a continuous learning journey rather than its peak.
Certificates were presented to newly inducted members as part of the clinic proceedings, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to nurturing competent, ethical, and forward-looking public relations professionals.
The clinic concluded with a renewed resolve among members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, anchored on discipline, continuous learning, and active participation in all programmes of the NIPR Asaba Chapter.
