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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR) FCT Chapter has emphasised on the role leadership plays in the development of the society, nation branding and building.
Speaking at a Press conference, in Abuja, to kick start NIPR FCT Chapter’s 35th Anniversary activities, the Chairman, NIPR FCT Chapter, Mr. Stanley Ogadigo, said that the celebration is a demonstration of dedication and commitment to service.
He said; “In our case, 35 years is not just a number; it is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment of public relations professionals who have helped make Abuja not only Nigeria’s capital city but also a beacon of excellence in strategic communication and reputation management.
“Our anniversary theme, ‘Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding,’ was carefully chosen to highlight the critical role leadership plays in societal development and nation-building. It also underscores the emerging narrative of public relations as a leadership function, a perspective now championed by the global public relations community.”
Mr. Odigo further emphasised that, every Public Relations Practitioner has it as a duty to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.
“As public relations professionals, we recognise that we have a sacred responsibility to help reshape narratives, build bridges of understanding, and position our nation for sustainable development. We believe that true leadership must be inclusive, cutting across sectors, demographics, and backgrounds. It must carry everyone along to achieve the desired national growth,” he emphasised.
The Chairman further called on stakeholders and partners to support the noble cause of nation branding.
He said; ” Nigeria deserves better narratives, and together, we can change the story of our nation and reposition for global relevance. I also encourage young Nigerians to consider public relations as a viable and impactful career. In an age dominated by social media, artificial intelligence, and digital communication, strategic communication professionals are more relevant than ever”.
According to Mr. Ogadigo, Nigeria faces the challenge of reputational damage due to negative international portrayals, which can only be corrected through collective responsibility.
“We are saying that Nigeria deserves a better narrative at this time, because what we are seeing, especially from the international community, is not what Nigeria truly represents. And then it’s a challenge to all of us, not only to the Minister of Information and National Orientation”, he said.
Mr. Ogadigo also highlighted that the anniversary is not about celebrating one self but about giving back to the society.
“We have carefully designed a series of impactful programmes that will leave lasting legacies in our community. Tree Planting and Environmental Sustainability. on 19th November, 2025, we will witness formal unveiling of the Flame of the Forest tree as the Reputation Tree of Abuja Vegetation. This initiative reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability. We want to leave green legacies that future generations will benefit from. the chapter will donate a collection of public relations books to the National Assembly Library on November 19 to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of the profession,” he said.
“This will strengthening lawmakers’ knowledge of PR , vital to shaping legislation related to communication, reputation management, and nation-building. Also as part of the chapters corporate social responsibility initiatives, we will also be presenting Prizes to the Best Graduating Students of Mass Communication across
tertiary institutions within FCT, encouraging academic excellence in communication studies. On 25th November, 2025, the chapter will hold a professional workshop on “Strategic Communication & Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI,” Mr. Ogadigo added.
Speaking on the lined up activities for the celebration, the Chairman, Organising Planning Committee for the 35th Anniversary, Mrs. Lami Tumaka, said: the celebrations is all about consistency, the sustainability that is worth celebrating .
“It’s NIPR, FCT chapter, a giving back to the society, our corporate social responsibility”.
The 35th Anniversary celebration with the theme: “Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding,” will be chaired by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, with the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, also expected to attend.
The grand finale of the celebration, which comes up on the 27th November, 2025, will feature Anniversary Conference and Annual General Meeting, followed by a Dinner and Awards Session, celebrating “The Hands that Built FCT” and recommitment to excellence, service, and nation building.