By Ese Obote-Ogwu
ASABA/Nigeria: Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter, has emphasized the crucial role of Public Relations (PR) in nation-building during a recent courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Delta State.
Osakwe underscored PR’s essence, highlighting its focus on reputation, relationship management, and the promotion of healthy work ethics in public service. He noted that effective PR plays a pivotal role in interpreting government policies and programs, contributing significantly to state and national development.
The visit, according to Osakwe, aimed to congratulate the Honourable Commissioner on his appointment and to reaffirm the collaborative relationship between NIPR and the Ministry of Information under his leadership.
“We have followed your track records, and we know that you will bring your experience to bear, to effectively communicate the right values, as well as government programs and policies for the buy-in of Deltans and other stakeholders,” Osakwe declared.
He further urged professionals and key staff members of the Ministry to align with the Commissioner’s vision and work in synergy to achieve its objectives for His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State.
Osakwe highlighted the imperative for professional communicators to be innovative in their approach, especially in creating engaging content to tell stories and navigate the challenges of today’s volatile environment.
Discussing the history and mandate of NIPR, Osakwe explained that the institute, established in 1963, is the only institute in Nigeria backed by law (Decree 16 of 1990, now an Act of the National Assembly). It is mandated to register and regulate the practice of Public Relations in Nigeria, standing as one of two such institutes in Africa.
He also mentioned a new law stipulating that all information officers, commissioners for information, spokespersons of organizations, or government parastatals must be certified members of NIPR.
Responding, Dr. Ifeanyi Osouza, Commissioner for Information, expressed delight at the visit and commended NIPR’s efforts in advancing government objectives, particularly the M.O.R.E agenda of the governor. He urged NIPR executives to play their roles effectively to ensure the realization of Governor Oborevwori’s vision for Delta State.
“If we are able to give him our needed corporation, he will do much more than he is doing now,” Dr. Osouza stated.
He pledged his support for NIPR and accepted the call for membership. The visit concluded with the presentation of a membership form to the Honourable Commissioner, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the father of the Information boss, who recently passed away.
