By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for stronger member participation in professional activities, stressing that active engagement is essential to the growth of practitioners and the development of the public relations profession.
The Chapter Chairman, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, made the call at the chapter’s monthly meeting held in Asaba on Thursday, August 13, 2026, where members considered issues relating to professional development, participation, institutional growth and preparations for major programmes of the Institute.
Osakwe said being a public relations practitioner went beyond holding professional credentials, noting that members were expected to demonstrate competence, responsibility and measurable contribution in their workplaces and wider society.
He urged practitioners to be productive and proactive in their organisations, while maintaining constructive relationships with management, colleagues and other stakeholders.
According to him, continuous learning and professional development were necessary for practitioners to remain relevant in a profession that is increasingly shaped by changing communication technologies, stakeholder expectations and emerging organisational challenges.
The chairman also disclosed that newly admitted members would be expected to submit periodic reports through designated channels to the national body as part of efforts to strengthen monitoring, documentation and communication between the Institute and its members.
He further disclosed plans for a digital platform that would enable members to upload certificates obtained from Annual General Meetings, professional development programmes and other approved activities.
Osakwe said the proposed system would improve the Institute’s records and support its point-based professional advancement framework, encouraging members to participate consistently in recognised professional activities.
He urged members not to limit their relationship with NIPR to membership registration, stressing that regular participation in chapter programmes would provide opportunities for professional networking, mentorship, knowledge sharing and leadership development.
The chairman also called for greater collaboration among practitioners, irrespective of their positions or length of experience in the profession.
He described public relations as a people-centred profession built around relationship management, mutual respect and effective engagement, urging members to make themselves available to support colleagues and contribute to the development of the Institute.
Turning to the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026, Osakwe encouraged members to support Nigeria’s preparations for the international event scheduled for Abuja from November 15 to 21.
The forum, organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and hosted by NIPR, will be held under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.” The organisers expect participants from more than 126 countries.
Osakwe said the forum would provide an opportunity for Nigeria and its professional community to engage with practitioners and communication leaders from around the world, while also showcasing aspects of the country’s culture, tourism and professional capabilities.
He urged members to take an active interest in the event and contribute to efforts aimed at making Nigeria’s hosting successful.
The chairman also commended the Delta State Chapter for its continued activities and urged members to sustain their participation in chapter programmes.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, commended members who participated physically and virtually and called for even greater attendance at subsequent meetings and programmes.
Enebeli said active participation would enable members to remain informed about developments within the Institute and better prepare themselves for professional responsibilities and leadership opportunities at the chapter and national levels.
He particularly encouraged members working in government institutions and other strategic sectors to support the promotion of the forthcoming WPRF and other programmes of the Institute.
The secretary said practitioners should continually identify practical ways of contributing to the advancement of public relations and strengthening the relevance of NIPR in society.
The meeting ended with members reaffirming the importance of professional development, active participation and collective responsibility in strengthening the Delta State Chapter and advancing the practice of public relations.
