Eminent industry practitioners rally behind Ali-Balogun’s bid for NIPR Council leadership

By Zion Rufus

With a campaign aptly themed “PR Future Forward”, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, a prominent candidate seeking re-election to the governing council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations [NIPR], has revealed her candidacy for the Council of the leading public relations institute.

Ahead of the body’s 2023 Annual General Meeting scheduled for August 24, endorsements have begun to pour in from both local and international sources for Nkechi Ali-Balogun.

Prominent personalities, including Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, the CEO, Founder, and Chairman of Proshare Nigeria; Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, a developmental consultant and Executive Head of Regional Marketing and Corporate Communication at Standard Bank Group, South Africa; and Professor Loch Otieno Lumumba, also known as P.L.O. Lumumba, a renowned Lawyer and Kenyan national known for his Pan-Africanist perspectives, have thrown their support behind Ali-Balogun’s quest.

Widely respected, Nkechi Ali-Balogun who sits as the former and first female Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), brings a wealth of professional and managerial experience to her candidacy.

With two terms of membership in the Council and over 25 years of multi-disciplinary professional experience in client services and public relations consultancy, she now seeks to leverage her expertise to lead the Institute.

Her campaign focuses on a 10-point plan summarized under the acronym CRANE (Creative, Responsive, Aspirational, Newness, and Encompassing) which emphasizes creativity, responsiveness, an aspirational NIPR, and her desire to inject freshness and innovation.

Ali-Balogun also envisions a digitalized Institute that will leverage technology for the delivery of its offerings and services. This includes running an online curriculum for the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programmes [MCPD] and online certification for aspiring practitioners, aimed at providing convenience and cost optimization for all stakeholders of the Institute.

In a press chat, the PR Consultant further emphasized the crucial role of strategic communication in resolving topical issues affecting Nigeria’s image. She believes that PR practitioners have a significant responsibility in enhancing the country’s reputation and reversing its declining international perception.

Meanwhile, eminent industry practitioners are rallying behind her as they recognize her leadership qualities and management expertise, all of which are essential to driving contemporary public relations practices for the Institute.

These industry leaders have openly expressed their support for her re-election bid.

Lumumba on his part believes Ali-Balogun possesses the pedigree for the highest policy formulation body of the Institute, while Nkiru Olumide-Ojo commends her wealth of experience from both the client and agency sides of communication.

Olufemi Awoyemi advocates for Ali-Balogun’s candidacy, praising her ability to transform problems into opportunities during her tenure leading the Lagos State NIPR.

He lauded her pragmatic leadership style, capacity, and networking skills, making her an ideal candidate for the highest policy formulation body of the prestigious organization.

As the countdown to the Annual General Meeting continues, Nkechi Ali-Balogun’s campaign receives strong endorsements, bolstering her candidacy for the governing council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.