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Tag: Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)

  • Institute inducts members

    Institute inducts members

    • By Temitayo Seidu

    The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted new members.

    The event which was held in Abuja, last week, saw Founder & CEO of Erumedia Group and Erumedia Charity Trust, Ayobami Eruobami, inducted  into the professional body of all public relations practitioners in the country.

    The induction by NIPR marks a significant milestone in Eruobami’s professional journey, officially recognizing his contributions to the field of public relations and communications. As Nigeria continues to raise the bar for PR excellence and ethical professional standards, his induction underscores his commitment to those standards and to the ongoing development of the industry.

    Ayobami Eruobami is a dynamic and forward-thinking PR executive, communications strategist, and entrepreneur. He is best known as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Erumedia Group  a leading PR, media relations,  media management and brand strategy firm and the founder of Erumedia Charity Trust, a philanthropic initiative focused on empowering marginalised communities, SMEs, and vulnerable individuals via media visibility, branding support, and capacity-building programmes.

    In 2025, Ayobami Eruobami was listed among Nigeria’s emerging leaders under the age of 40 in the prestigious Nigeria 40 Under 40 Awards, a testament to his drive, creativity, and influence in public relations, media management, and social impact.

    Under his leadership, Erumedia Group was officially shortlisted for the highly respected BusinessDay SME 100 Awards 2025, highlighting the company’s growing influence, innovation, and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.

    His firm, Erumedia Group has built a solid track record over the past several years  reportedly managing multiple brands and activating several personal branding initiatives for prominent Individuals and distributing multiple press media kits for clients across sectors.

    Read Also: Kano NLC backs Tinubu’s security measures, leads peaceful rally

    Recognised internationally, Ayobami is a member of the ForbesBLK Community, an indication of his global outlook and commitment to professional excellence.

    In a statement by the inductee said:  “Being inducted into the NIPR is not just an honour  it is a responsibility. My journey in public relations and media strategy has always been guided by a deep belief in the power of communication to inform, unite, project and uplift. With this induction, I recommit to excellence, transparency, and service not just to clients, but to communities, to young entrepreneurs, and to Nigeria’s growth story.”

    Upon receiving the certificate presented to him  by the President of NIPR Dr  Ike Neliaku, who serves as the Chairman of the council, he added that the recognition will further motivate his firm to intensify efforts in media training, brand development, and inclusive community outreach.

    NIPR is Nigeria’s statutory professional body for public relations practitioners, committed to upholding professional standards, ethics, and continuous development in the communications industry. Membership and induction into NIPR is widely regarded as a badge of honour and professional credibility for PR practitioners across Nigeria.

  • NIPR, Nasarawa sign MoU to set up PR varsity

    NIPR, Nasarawa sign MoU to set up PR varsity

    Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nasarawa State to establish a university of public relations and leadership (UPRL) in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government.

    Touted as the first tertiary institution globally dedicated to integration of public relations and leadership, the university will begin operations in November 2026, coinciding with Nigeria’s hosting of World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).

    Backed by Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, a coalition of public relations bodies from over 120 countries, the university is regarded as a global initiative. 

    Speaking at the signing, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, noted that Nigeria was chosen to host the institution due to the country’s commitment and strategic importance in Africa.

    “This project could have been located anywhere in the world. The Global Alliance, out of love for Africa and recognition of Nigeria’s leadership potential, chose to partner with us,” Dr. Neliaku said.

    He noted that UPRL is part of the institute’s broader vision to address Africa’s leadership and governance challenges through practical, skills-based education.

    “It’s only recently that serious attention is given to leadership training in Nigeria. In the UK, US, and others, leadership is a field of academic pursuit. UPRL will fill that gap and raise a generation of credible, service-driven leaders,” he added.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms boosting Nigeria’s economic recovery – FG

    According to the MoU, the university will offer at least 20 scholarship slots annually for qualified indigenes of Nasarawa, ensuring representation from all 13 local governments. In addition, 50 concessionary admission slots will be available each year for candidates sponsored by the state.

    Governor Abdullahi Sule, who handed over the land grant approval for the site, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the initiative.

    He described the project as a milestone for Nasarawa and the nation, highlighting its potential to serve as a hub for capacity building and leadership development in Nigeria and beyond.

    “We are proud that Nasarawa will host a world-class institution dedicated to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. This university will strengthen our manpower and contribute significantly to national development,” the governor said.

  • PRNigeria Communication Fellow gets scholarship to NIPR Finishing School

    PRNigeria Communication Fellow gets scholarship to NIPR Finishing School

    The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has awarded a full academic scholarship to Fatima Abedoh, the Best Fellow of the maiden PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship

    The announcement was made by NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku on Friday at the Abuja office of Image Merchant Promotions Limited (IMPR), owners of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, Tech Digest and other titles.

    The 24-year-old Abedoh, the best cohort member of the one-month fellowship, is an Information and Media Studies graduate of Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Ramot Ikeoluwa Ibrahim was named the Most Disciplined Fellow.

    A jury chaired by Mr. Francis Enoboro, ex-spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), selected Abedoh after all 10 fellows made separate oral presentations in various areas of public relations.

    Neliaku, the special guest of honour, hailed the young citizens on completing the training in journalism, PR, social media, and artificial intelligence. He said Fatima would get an all-expense paid scholarship to the NIPR Finishing School in Nasarawa State.

    “Fatima will be participating in a one-month summer training on PR and other aspects of communication. On behalf of my management team, I’m excited to also announce that the Best PRNigeria Fellows in the next five years will receive the same prize,” he disclosed.

    Read Also: ACAOSA lifts alma mater’s outstanding students with N5.4m scholarships 

    Addressing the cohort, the NIPR President stressed the importance of having a good reputation for personal, organizational and national growth as it is “a core asset” companies globally hold in high esteem.

    “Reputation is now an important part of our life. So, you need to start cultivating it because it grows over time. It is a core asset to any organization and a determinant of how people reckon with you as a person, an establishment or a country. 

    “Reputation without hard work does not yield results; hard work and commitment are its drivers. Meanwhile, we must acknowledge Alhaji Yushau Shuaib’s contributions to Nigeria, especially in crisis management and communication, where he has devoted time and resources.

    “His mentorship of younger generations is equally impressive and deserves recognition. Having consistently demonstrated this commitment and escalated it into a Fellowship is worthy of commendation,” Neliaku added.

    Mr Shuaib, IMPR CEO and PRNigeria Editor-in-chief, congratulated the fellows and wished them well in future endeavours. He said the training will be conducted at PRNigeria Centres in Ilorin and Kano in October and December.

  • NIPR condemns attacks on Nigerians, South Africans

    THE Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Thursday condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja, NIPR President, Alhaji Mukhtar Sirajo, described the attacks as unjustifiable, callous and a betrayal of the spirit of oneness of Africa.

    He lamented the fact that the attacks came from a people for whom and by whom the entire continent stood not very long ago, during their hour of need.

    Sirajo further described xenophobia as a crime against humanity, especially as it runs contrary to the universal values of sanctity of human life, freedom of movement, mutual respect, open engagement, communication and effective relationship management.

    He commended the Federal Government for the measures it has taken so far in that regard while he called on the government to step up its response to the menace.

    Read Also: Nigeria considers legal option against South Africa

    “Those few involved in dubious activities must desist from such criminal tendencies that could further dent the image of the nation and bring grief to their families when they are caught,” he noted.

    The NIPR boss also appealed to the South African authorities to be more forthcoming in the handling of the issue, apprehending and meting out appropriate sanctions against those found guilty to serve as a deterrent to others.

    He said: “The NIPR is worried, like all Nigerians and other right thinking people across the world, at these recurring attacks being perpetrated against Nigerians and other nationals of other African countries in South Africa.

    “These recurring attacks, which have claimed many lives and destroyed valuable properties, are now sadly being met with many reprisals in other African countries including Nigeria. Xenophobia is a menace. Our world must find a solution to or it will become the albatross of our age.”

     

  • NIPR commends NNPC for promotion of PR

    The Abuja Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for effective deployment of Public Relations (PR) tools and professionals in managing its image and reputation.

    Dr Tayo Haastrup, the Chairman of Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the NIPR, made the commendation in Abuja during a visit to the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr Ndu Ughamadu.

    He said that the NNPC remained a critical promoter of professional PR practice in Nigeria.

    Haastrup also commended the NNPC for appointing a registered and certified member of the NIPR to manage the reputation of the corporation as required by law.

    He said that the NIPR took the menace of quackery in the profession seriously, adding that actions were being taken against those on the wrong side of the law.

    Read Also: NNPC spends $1.2b on Brass LNG project

    He called on defaulter organisations to redeem themselves before the law would catch up with them.

    Haastrup lauded the expertise and professionalism of the Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC for its competence in managing the image and reputation of a critical organisation like the NNPC.

    “As the body regulating the activities of public relations in the country, it is our duty to monitor the activities of our practitioners in the field to offer professional advice or assistance where necessary and commend those who are making the institute proud.

    “We have watched closely since your re-appointment as the spokesman of the NNPC and observed that you are living up to expectations as a certified practitioner and a fellow of the institute.

    “Since your assumption of office, we are proud to state that the reputation of the corporation has consistently moved upwards.

    “Your publications – the NNPC News, NNPC Quarterly Magazine and your weekly television production are very professional in content and packaging.

    “They satisfy readers’ industry information needs in most professional manner. They come with variety, simplicity and appealing designs.” he said.

    Haastrup said that the chapter was re-positioned to continue to add value to practice of PR in the capital territory.

    Responding, Ughamadu, extended the compliments of the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, to the NIPR, saying the NNPC would continue to emphasise professionalism and excellence in its operations.

    He said that his division, in demonstration of its value for professionalism, had ensured that its staff were members of the NIPR and had also extended its advocacy to subsidiaries of the corporation nationwide.

    Ughamadu commended the FCT Chapter Chairman of NIPR for “excellent work and expressed his readiness to further support NIPR for the continuous growth and development of the institute.”

    NAN

  • NCC seeks govs’ assistance on broadband penetration

    NCC seeks govs’ assistance on broadband penetration

    The Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC ) has called on state governors to assist it in achieving the 30 per cent broadband penetration target by 2018.

    The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, made the call during an interview with newsmen in Lagos, on the sideline of the 2017 Dinner and Awards of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations ( NIPR ).

    Ojobo was awarded the “PR Personality of the year 2017” by NIPR.

    He said that the governors and their various agencies should assist by ensuring easy approval for Right of Way ( RoW ) for the deployment of infrastructure.

    According to him, the industry has challenges of deployment of base stations in the states because of the issue of the Internally Generated Revenue ( IGR ).

    “A lot of approvals are delayed, in terms of siting base stations in the states this year. We have had base stations shut down, we also have had issues with the Rights of Way.

    “There had been reluctance with the various agencies under various levels of government to give approval as quickly as possible for the deployment of infrastructure.

    “The Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, has made a presentation at the Governors Forum on how these challenges are actually contributing to the poor quality of service, and that there is need for us to have pervasive rollout of base stations.

    “Pervasive base stations deployment can narrow the areas that don’t have coverage, so that the issue of access and broadband penetration target can be realised.

    “Unless we do that, we will keep having challenges in being able to meet with the government policy of 30 per cent by 2018,” he said.

    Read also: NCC gives out N17m to winners of tennis championship

    Ojobo said that by 2018, it was expected that the country would have 30 per cent broadband penetration, but some of the challenges were slowing down the process.

    “But we believe that in 2018, some of these challenges will be tackled, especially as governors are beginning to appreciate the importance of these infrastructure in their states.

    “We believe that these challenges will begin to fizzle out,” he said.

    On his award as the PR Personality of the year, Ojobo said it was a call to do more on his responsibilities.

    He said that NCC would continue to put what it was doing on the public space and improve on it.

    “We will make sure that we say it as it is all the time and also ensure that we take back the feedback we get from the people we serve, that is our stakeholders, to our management.

    “This is so that areas that need improvement will be improved upon, so that consumers and the generous stakeholders will be better for it.

    “I want to thank God for this award. It is humbling when you are recognised by your professional group for contributions to the professional practice of public relations in Nigeria.

    “I dedicate this award to God and to the Nigerian Communications Commission that has given me the platform to express, in terms of the ways I carry out my responsibilities,” he said.

    Ojobo said that NCC was regulating an industry that was very difficult, an industry that was serving about 153 million active subscribers.

    He said that the subscribers were utilising the services on a 24/7 basis, hence, there were always issues to talk about.

    According to him, the challenge has been how to talk to the people who are facing challenges because of the services they are receiving.

    “We can’t tell them there are no challenges, we can’t assume we have not seen that they have problems.

    “But what we have continued to do is to identify with the challenges they are going through in this industry.

    “We have also tried to communicate that the industry is a work in progress, we have not gotten to the place we should be.

    “The most challenging part of this job is when we are having issues in the industry and how to address those issues and still speak the truth to the people,” he said.

    Ojobo said that the commission had used all its platforms, both the social media platforms and the mainstream media in trying to communicate, to make the people know what it was doing.

    NAN

  • Digital trackable identity essential for curbing crimes – NCC

    Digital trackable identity essential for curbing crimes – NCC

    Mr Tony Ojobo, the Public Affairs Director of the Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC ), has said that online trackable identity was essential to curb crimes in the country.

    Speaking at the Public Relations Directors’ Summit, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations ( NIPR ) on Monday in Lagos, Ojobo said that digital trackable identity would help to boost online businesses.

    He described trackable identity as the ability to identify an individual through some natural physiological features, as may be shown by photographs or marks and such other characteristics.

    According to him, ‘today, it is being more associated with the ability to identify a particular person in cyberspace, or in electronic devices which offers digital identification.

    “The scope of trackable identity is being widened within the digital world to include tracking objects with application of tags that could be linked to a mobile phone or other devices.

    “Advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have given a new definition and application to trackable identity.

    ”Therefore, trackable identity, in this context, could be called, digital identity,” he said.

    Ojobo said that identity had become a commodity, as people created data bases of identities to enable them target specific segments or define characteristics of such markets.

    He said that while traditional identification rely on passwords, PINs, smart cards, and the like, biometric identification using finger prints and iris scans were generally more reliable and secure.

    According to him, biometric identity is also more reliable in linking individuals to event and action, therefore preferred by security institutions in fighting crimes.

    He said that with that in mind, NCC initiated the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards in Nigeria in 2011, and was officially completed on June 30, 2013.

    “The major reason why the scheme was initiated was the result of the frequent use of phone services in committing crimes and the difficulty it posed to security agencies in solving such crimes.

    “It was full biometric registration, with fingerprints and digital photographs of the registrants taken at the point of registration.

    “It became the most reliable data base of Nigerian citizens given the number of subscribers in the network, which was more than 113 million then.

    “It is evident that the level of ICT development will invariably determine how secure the environment would be for business

    “Nigeria’s Internet subscription as at July 2017 is about 91.6 million, an indication that substantial number of trackable identities on the internet in Nigeria would be found on the mobile platforms,” Ojobo said.

    He said that Nigeria’s level of telecommunication growth had potentials to facilitate trackable identity and in turn contribute to ease of doing business.

    The director said that online shopping malls, online banking, online ticketing and reservations, online hotel bookings, which demanded secure trackable identity platforms were thriving in Nigeria.

    According to the NCC spokesman, telecommunication and ICT are indispensable to trackable identity and Nigeria’s advancements in these directions has created a good leverage for ease of doing business.

    NAN

  • Edo to partner NIPR on promotion of tourism

    Edo to partner NIPR on promotion of tourism

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed readiness of his administration to partner with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on promotion of tourism potentials of the state.

    Governor Obaseki urged NIPR to assist his administration strengthen out facts about policies and projects as well as correct misinformation.

    He said false information put out by the new media are capable to cause mischief and confusion.

    Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu, spoke when members of the Edo State Chapter of NIPR paid him a courtesy visit.

    Governor Obaseki noted that collaborating with the professional body to project government ideals, policies and programmes was of critical importance as he worked out policies to improve the socio-economic life of the people.

    He stated that correct information would help promote transparency in governance as well as the cooperation and suport of the citizens.

    His words, “In our desire to improve the living standard of our people, we need the support of NIPR. We need to partner in the area of culture and tourism. United Kingdom for example does not have the kind of tourism potentials that we have in Edo State. The Igue festival can be promoted and sustained as an international event.

    “This is the era of making Edo an industrial hub for the benefit of our People. We will work with you to achieve this. This partnership is necessary”, the Deputy Governor said.

    Chairman of NIPR in the State, Mr. Tosa Usuanlele, said the working visit was to  intimate government of its plans to add value to the programmes of Governor Obaseki.

    Usuanlele said the Professional body planned to deploy its monitoring unit to monitor progress work in some projects which included the Gelegele Seaport, Agenebode Seaport, Agro and Allied business, vocational Education, Solid Minerals Development and industrialisation.

    Other members of the chapter present at the meeting were Mr. Balarabe Oshiafi, Secretary, Dr Chamberlain Egbulefu, Vice Chairman, Elder Rufus Imafidon, PRO, Mrs Uwem Emmanuel, Financial Secretary, Dr Ose Aigbekaen, Ugiagbe Williams Osa, Oyemike Anthony Onyeloni, Amadin Edobo Okoro, Odion Dan, Esther Leilei, Mrs Josephine Adeyeye, Mrs Goodnews Willie, Fidelis Owanogho, Oarhe Evbotokhai Edekin

     

  • Chairman House C’ttee, opposes immunity to lawmakers

    Chairman House C’ttee, opposes immunity to lawmakers

    The Chairman, House Committee on Anti-corruption, Mr Jide Akintoye, on Thursday in Abuja expressed opposition to granting immunity to lawmakers, saying as they were answerable to the electorate.

    Speaking at the ongoing National Anti-Corruption Conference, Akintoye noted that the utterances of Dr Aminu Jubrin about perceived corruption in the House did not exonerate Jubrin as a whistleblower.

    Contributing, Malam Mukhtar Sirajo, Vice-President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), urged the House to address the issues rather than concentrating on the person of the whistleblower.

    In his remark, Malam Suleiman Usman, Director of Planning, National Hajj Commission, said sanitising the Nigeria Police should be the first point of fighting corruption.

    He added that any other exercise would amount to futility if the police were not sanitised.

    “The starting point in fighting corruption is to first sanitise the police,” he said.

    However, Mr Hycith Dagala, a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), explained that an ill-equipped police could not perform their statutory duties optimally.

    “While our colleagues elsewhere have gone digital in their modus operandi and tackling crime, the Nigeria Police is still analogic in their operations,” the DIG said.

    Earlier, Dr Ahmed Othman, a lead paper presenter at the conference, attributed corruption permeating all strata of the Nigerian society to greed.

    “We must all agree that there is enough for our needs but not for greed,” he said.

    The four-day conference ends on Friday

  • Minster tasks Nigerians on national integration

    Minster tasks Nigerians on national integration

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has advised Nigerians to make the task of unifying the country paramount as it would solve the problems of national integration.

    Mohammed gave the advice during the Annual General Meeting and conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day conference which commenced on November 8, has the theme” Nigeria Today: Integration, Marketplace and Public Relations”.

    The minister, represented by the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the theme was apt as such a time in the nation’s polity.

    Mohammed noted that for decades, the unity of Nigeria had been plagued and threatened by religious, ethnic and socio-cultural and political differences.

    He said that Nigerians must de-emphasise ethnicity, religion and cultural affiliation in their relationships.

    Mohammed said that the idea of one, united and indivisible Nigeria was still a very relevant and potent proposition.

    “To keep Nigeria one is a task we must all perform by ensuring that all groups share a common vision for the collective development of our nation.

    “We must begin to provide the basic necessities of our people; we must provide jobs, include food security and housing. We must provide for our youths and empower them.

    “This will go a long way in bringing peace and in a way endear the individual to the idea of the Nigerian nation.”

    The Minister said that emphasis should be placed state of residence rather that state of origin in government applications for resource allocation.

    He added that the federal, states and local governments should stop patronising any religion.

    “The erection of churches and Mosques in offices should be stopped. Religion is a personal matter and our 1999 constitution says clearly we are a secular nation.”

    He expressed the hope that the conference would find solutions to how the nation could checkmate the cluster of divisive tendencies and propel the country towards true national integration.