NIPR DECRIES PROLIFERATION OF UNREGISTERED PR PRACTITIONERS, CALLS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF EXTANT LAWS

NIPR DECRIES PROLIFERATION OF  UNREGISTERED PR PRACTITIONERS, CALLS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF EXTANT LAWS

By Emma Asie (MNIPR)

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Anambra state chapter, has decried the proliferation and appointment of unregistered Public Relation practitioners in public and private institutions in the country. 

Speaking on the topic "Understanding The Regulatory Environment Governing NIPR, an Exposition on Chapter  Administration"  during it's  monthly summit held on September 29th at Nobles Hotels Awka, the keynote speaker Dr Wilson Ogonnia Anunike stressed that public relations is a noble profession and hence the need to refresh members of the state chapter  on the extant laws guiding the practice and the need for adherence. He bemoaned the fact that in both public and private institutions, individuals not registered with the institute, are given the very sensitive role of public relations management. He called on the institute and the chapter specifically, to take up the challenge of sensitizing relevant authorities on the need to appoint or employ  only trained and registered public relations personnel. 

The speaker also dwelled on the financial relationship between the state and national bodies , the expected conduct of members as professionals and the need for advocacy visits and consultations to ensure compliance to NIPR rules. 

Responding to some questions posed by members, a council member Rev Fr Prof Obiefuna lamented that he had, on behalf of the chapter,  made spirited but failed attempts to visit the governor in order to present this issue to him. He however urged the chapter and the institute generally not to relent but continue the sensitization and advocacy.

The high point of the day was the presentation of chapter and Membership forms to Dr Christian Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary  to the Anambra state governor Prof Charles Soludo. Dr Aburime in his acceptance speech, identified fully with the chapter and promised to help the chapter meet with the governor and other government officials whenever the need arises. 

The monthly summit also featured the recognition of six members of the chapter who were recently made Fellows of the Institute at the annual national summit held recently in Abuja. The new Fellows led by former Anambra state commissioner for Education Prof Kate Omenugha, expressed their joy at the investiture and promised to work more for the progress of the state chapter.

The meeting also featured the celebration of the birthday of some members , cutting of birthday  cakes and some entertainment including dancing. 

Speaking after the meeting, the chairperson of the state chapter Prof Mrs Angela Nwammuo wished the celebrants a happy birthday and called on all Public Relation practitioners in both public and private institutions in the state to identify and register with the state chapter just as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor  did.

Emmanuel Asiegbunam MNipr writes from the Anambra state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)