24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE
21th July, 2026
Kogi NIPR Begins Statewide Advocacy Tour, Seeks Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen Professional Public Relations Practice
...Visits Graphic Newspaper, NUJ and NIPR Elders, Intensifies Membership Drive
The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commenced a statewide advocacy tour of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), parastatals, tertiary institutions, media organizations and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to reposition the chapter, strengthen professional public relations practice and drive membership across the state.
The advocacy tour, led by the Chairman of the Chapter, Mr. Ismaila Isah, began with a courtesy visit to The Graphic Newspaper, the Kogi State-owned newspaper, before proceeding to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, and a meeting with NIPR Elders.
Speaking during the visit to The Graphic Newspaper in Lokoja, Mr. Isah described the organization as a strategic partner and the foremost print media platform of the Kogi State Government, explaining that the decision to begin the advocacy campaign with the newspaper was deliberate and symbolic.
He noted that the Kogi State Chapter, which had remained inactive for over a decade, was undergoing a revival aimed at repositioning the Institute and restoring professionalism in public relations practice across the state.
According to him, NIPR remains the only legally recognized professional body empowered by law to regulate the practice of public relations and strategic communication in Nigeria.
"We are embarking on this advocacy visit to seek strategic partnerships and support from key stakeholders. Beyond media coverage, we also seek closer collaboration in promoting professional public relations practice across Kogi State," he said.
The Chairman urged journalists, media practitioners, spokespersons, public relations officers, event managers and other communication professionals to regularize their membership with the Institute in line with the provisions of the NIPR Act, noting that registration provides legal backing, professional development opportunities and access to a wide network of communication professionals.
He also disclosed that Nigeria would host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja later this year, the first edition of the global event to be hosted in Africa, and encouraged members in Kogi State to register with the Institute and participate in the historic gathering.
Responding, the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, commended the new leadership of the chapter for reviving the Institute after years of inactivity and pledged the newspaper's support for its programmes.
He assured the delegation that The Graphic would continue to provide adequate publicity for the Institute's activities and advocacy programmes.
"The Graphic belongs to all of us. Whatever programme you have, inform us and we will give it the necessary publicity. We will support the activities of the NIPR because what you are doing contributes to the development of Kogi State," he stated.
Mr. Itopa also encouraged journalists interested in public relations practice to take advantage of the opportunity to register with the Institute, describing journalism and public relations as complementary professions that promote effective communication and public enlightenment.
Speaking during the visit, the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Mike Abu, emphasized that registration with the Institute is a legal requirement for individuals serving as public relations officers or spokespersons in government ministries, departments, agencies and private organizations.
He disclosed that the Institute was working with its national leadership to provide opportunities, including possible waivers, to enable interested professionals regularize their membership ahead of the World Public Relations Forum.
The advocacy team also visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, where the Chairman stressed the long-standing relationship between NIPR and the journalism profession, describing both as strategic partners in advancing responsible communication and national development.
He explained that state chapters are expected to serve as the fulcrum of the Institute's activities under the NIPR Act, making it imperative to reactivate the Kogi Chapter after years of dormancy.
Mr. Isah noted that collaboration with the NUJ would help deepen compliance with the NIPR Act and facilitate the registration of journalists engaged in public relations practice.
Responding on behalf of the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademu Seidu, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Obansa, described the visit as timely and welcomed the revival of the chapter, assuring the Institute of the union's support in promoting public awareness of the role of public relations in governance and democratic development.
As part of the advocacy tour, the executive committee also met with NIPR Elders, where the Chairman announced the constitution of an Elders Advisory Committee to leverage the wealth of experience of veteran practitioners in repositioning the chapter.
He disclosed that the advocacy campaign would cover about 50 organizations and key stakeholders across the state, with the objective of strengthening institutional partnerships, increasing membership and mobilizing support for the Institute.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Elder Emmanuel Bola Boro commended the renewed efforts of the executive committee and pledged the continued support of senior members towards the growth of the chapter.
Other elders, including Pastor Ezekiel Oyekanmi, Pastor James Adedoyin, Chief Stephen Salawu, and the Director-General of Protocol, Government House, Lokoja, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, also applauded the initiative and called for sustained public enlightenment, regular capacity-building programmes, stronger institutional support and greater collaboration to enhance the practice of public relations in Kogi State.
The advocacy tour will continue in the coming weeks with visits to government institutions, tertiary institutions, corporate organizations and other strategic stakeholders across the state as part of the chapter's renewed drive to reposition the profession and strengthen ethical public relations practice in Kogi State.
Signed:
Aturu Bishop
Public Relations Officer
NIPR, Kogi State Chapter
