NIPR celebrates 60th anniversary with Diamond Walk and Tree Planting
By Ibidunni Banjoko
In commemoration of its 60th anniversary, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) launched its celebrations with a diamond walk and the planting of 60 trees across major cities in Nigeria on Saturday, June 1, 2024, promoting environmental responsibility.
The event, held with pomp and pageantry, saw members of the Lagos Chapter of NIPR turn out in large numbers in a carnival-like atmosphere. The Lagos walk was led by Chapter Chairman Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo and attended by industry veterans such as Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead Partner of CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting); Nkechi Ali-Balogun, FNIPR, Principal Consultant of NECCI Consulting; Bolaji Abimbola, Managing Director/CEO of Integrated Indigo Limited; and Mr. Samuel Ayetutu, Vice Chairman, among others.
According to a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Chapter, Samuel O. Adeyemi, the event themed “Walk for Economic Transformation” commenced in front of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, Ikeja, and concluded at the JJT Park in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking on the significance of the walk, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo emphasized the critical role of the PR profession in driving economic transformation. She stressed that Nigerian policymakers must prioritize public relations as a pivotal tool for transforming the nation’s fortunes.
The Diamond Celebration was commemorated simultaneously across all 36 states of Nigeria. Mrs. Nwankwo highlighted NIPR’s commitment to building on the legacy of past leaders and professionals who have shaped the Institute. She noted that the walk and tree-planting exercise are designed to demonstrate the significance of PR in various aspects of society and to show solidarity with national development efforts.
“We are upping the ante to say you need public relations; it is the jack of all trades and master of all. You need public relations in everything you do to truly harness your stakeholders and relationships,” she said.
Nkechi Ali-Balogun, also spoke on the occasion, underscoring the vital role of Public Relations in society. She lamented the misconceptions about the practice and the prevalence of unqualified individuals undermining the profession’s impact.
“PR is about people, environment, and relationships. In this time and age, with the focus on biodiversity and global awareness, NIPR is aligning its activities accordingly. We have faced challenges with people not understanding the real meaning and function of NIPR. We are often misconstrued to be merely media or reporters. In reality, we are into perception and reputation management, mending and building relationships,” she explained.
The month of June will feature various activities to mark the 60th anniversary, including engagements with government and stakeholders to deepen conversations around PR practice in Nigeria and its indispensable role in nation-building. The challenge, according to NIPR, is to make even the elite understand the true essence and value of public relations.
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