The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, is set to hold its 2024 Annual Week with an objective on how to use Public Relations to further grow the Nigerian economy.
The Annual Week, which is the first of its kind has the theme “Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance” and will begin from Tuesday next week in Abeokuta the capital of Ogun State South West Nigeria.
A member of the Institute Mr Ahmad Sajoh, while speaking on the level of preparedness for the week in the Voice of Nigeria Studio said in the face of the global economic downturn which includes Nigeria, there was a need to build trust among stakeholders of the nation to stimulate economic growth using public relations tools.
He said economic experts like the Minister of Finance Wale Edun the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, the Minister of Information Idris Mohamed, policymakers, leaders of industry and public relations experts among others have been outlined to speak on the Nigeria economy and chart ways forward in the week-long event.
He said the focus of the conference will be on how to promote dialogue among stakeholders and explore paths towards the attainment of the nation’s growth agenda for the country to maintain its position as the giant of Africa while linking reputation with economic successes.
“We want Nigeria to continue to play the role of the main driver of the economic, social and political affairs of Africa. We want Nigeria to become a Hub for the development of its people. Nigeria to become an economic hub that attracts Foreign Direct Investment. These are the issues that we are bringing to the table in the NIPR Week,” he said.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations NIPR was established in the year 1963. Since then it has been consistently engaged in raising the bar in Professionalism and excellence in reputation and perception management.
Mr Sajoh said the event will equally be used to sell Public Relations a strategic management discipline to stakeholders for wider understanding and acceptance of the profession.
He said amidst planned over 20 plenary breakouts and Workshop sessions, the week will give attention to a mentorship programme for tertiary students of Mass Communication and a forum with traditional leaders on how they can enhance their relevance in their domain through public relations will be held.
“If there is no understanding, no synergy, no communication, no trust between the leaders and their communities or organizations, there will be difficulties. So PR ensures that that trust is not breached, communication channels are not blocked and people understand each other,” he said.
According to him, a fashion show called Adire Night will be held to exhibit Nigerian-made attires to glorify the nation’s culture and traditional values.
We are looking at Adire as a Nigeria creation, it is a fashion statement. Let me tell you, there is no African who is not very proud of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. Once you see her, you see an African lady, once you see her you see a Nigerian lady. This is the kind of thing we are going to do with the Adire night for example,” he said.
He added that a guided tour, social and networking as well as sporting events with emphasis on health will also be held including the unveiling of 15 hospitality partnership agreements.
The week which is a notch above its usual held annual general meetings begins on Saturday and Tuesday. 22nd April will end on the 26th April, 2024.with local and foreign PR participants.
Dominica Nwabufo
