The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in promoting professionalism and ethical standards in public communication.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor made this known during the official unveiling of the 2026 NIPR Anambra State Annual General Meeting AGM/Summit schedule for March 12th, 2026.
Mefor while commending the organising committee headed by the Special Adviser to governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Youth Empowerment, Dr Nelson Omenugha, for their adequate preparation ahead of the event enjoined them to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics in the discharge of their duties in the state and the country at large.
He assured that the administration of Governor Soludo remains open to constructive engagement and strategic partnership with the Institute in advancing responsible communication and good governance in Anambra state.
In her remark, the NIPR National Council Member and the Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha, charged the organising committee to exhibit professionalism and to ensure a smooth statewide participation that will meet national best practices.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the organising committee, Dr Nelson
Omenugha, commended the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Mefor for graciously accepting to officially unveiling the events and to Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State ICT Agency (ANICTA) for providing this befitting place we are for the unveiling. This is one benefit from so many others to come from our partnership with the agency.
According to him, “Their presence underscores the strategic importance of public relations in governance, public trust, and democratic engagement.
“Today’s unveiling is far more than ceremonial. It represents our collective readiness to interrogate one of the most critical issues of our time – reputation – how it is shaped, challenged, protected, and leveraged in an increasingly fast-paced digital world.
The theme of the 2026 Summit: “Managing Reputation Capital in the Digital Age: Influence, Integrity and Impact, could not be more timely or relevant.
“In today’s digital environment, reputation is both powerful and fragile. A single post can elevate a brand or erode decades of credibility. Information now travels faster than verification. Influence is no longer determined solely by institutional authority but by digital presence, perception, and engagement.
Reputation capital has therefore emerged as a strategic asset – one that must be intentionally built, ethically managed, and continuously protected.
“This is why integrity remains non-negotiable. While technology may amplify voices, it is character that sustains credibility. Influence without integrity is fleeting; impact without ethics is dangerous.
As public relations professionals, we are not merely image managers, we are custodians of trust, defenders of truth, and architects of responsible influence.
“It is therefore most fitting that this critical conversation will be led by a man whose professional life exemplifies courage, clarity, and ethical leadership – Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“We are confident that his keynote address will provide deep insights into the intersection of reputation, leadership, law, and public accountability in the digital age.
“Equally significant is our Chairman of the Day, Prince Chukwudi Oli (Oba Ezeafia), a respected statesman, entrepreneur, and bridge-builder whose life and work reflect the enduring value of reputation built on service, consistency, and honour.
The 2026 NIPR Anambra AGM/Summit promises to be more than an annual gathering. It is envisioned as a thought-leadership platform, a capacity-building forum, and a call to professional responsibility.
“It will challenge us to rethink how we manage narratives, engage stakeholders, counter misinformation, and uphold ethical standards in an increasingly complex communication landscape.”
The 2026 AGM is a two-day programme. Day One: Thursday, 12th March 2026 will be dedicated to students and young practitioners at the ETF Hall, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus.
The session, themed “Breaking Ground Early: Building a Career in Public Relations,” will feature Dr Uche Nworah, Founder and President of Charlton Business School, Abuja, as Guest Speaker.
“On this day, we will also confer the Young Reputation Champion Award on two distinguished individuals – Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu, CMD of Princeton Hospital, and Hon. Ugochukwu Obiefuna – as well as two outstanding brands, De Shield Events and Naira Rice.
“Day Two: Friday, 13th March 2026 will take place at the International Convention Centre, Awka. Here, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, will deliver the keynote address, interrogating the summit theme in depth.
“Seven eminent individuals and three brands will be honoured with the NIPR Lifetime Reputation Management Award.
“The AGM will also host the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Ike Neliaku alongside public relations professionals, corporate executives, policymakers, media practitioners, academics, and students from across Anambra State and beyond. Elections into new executive positions will also be conducted electronically on this day.
“As Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, I assure you of our commitment to delivering a summit that is intellectually enriching, practically relevant, and globally competitive – one that reflects the proud reputation of the NIPR and the excellence for which Anambra State is known for.
“We would also leverage the summit to mobilize our people for the upcoming World Public Relations Forum holding in Abuja.”
Dr Omenugha thank the Government of Anambra State, strategic partners, eminently deserving awardees, brands, distinguished speakers, stakeholders, and all others who believe in the NIPR vision.
The unveiling that took place at ICTA conference room Light House Awka, with the Theme: Managing Reputation Capital In The Digital Age Influence, Integrity And Impact, also has in attendence, the State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, Members of the State House of Assembly represented by Hon Ebuka Igwe, Idemili South Constituency and Hon Ikenna Ofodeme.
The Majority Leader of the Assembly, the State Chapter Chairlady of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Professor Angela Nwammuo and members of the State Executive, DVC Paul university Awka, Professor Stella Okunna, Anambra State Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, MD/CEO, Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA).
Also, Mr Tony Odili; and the MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr Chris Molokwu; Chairman NUJ Anambra State Council, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu (PhD), representatives of Ibeto Seaport and Terminals, Jotham Steel Industries, Zhongtian Construction Nigeria Limited among others.