FCT NIPR unveils activities for celebration of 35th anniversary

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has rolled out activities for the celebration of its 35th anniversary.

Mr Stanley Ogadigbo, Chairman, FCT NIPR told journalists in Abuja on Monday that the activities will include planting of trees, donation of books and iniatiatives to nurture young minds

The theme of the event is: “Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding.”

According to him, 35 years is not just a number, but a testament to dedication, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of public relations professionals.

Ogadigbo said that public relations professionals had made Abuja not just Nigeria’s capital city, but a beacon of excellence in strategic communication and reputation management.

“Our anniversary theme, “Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding,” was carefully chosen to reflect the prime role leadership plays in the development of the society and nation building.

“It emphasises the new narrative of public relations as a leadership function, which is championed by the global body of public relations.

“This anniversary is not about us celebrating ourselves. It is about giving back to the society that has nurtured us,” he said.

The chairman explained that the chapter under him had carefully designed a series of impactful programmes that would leave lasting legacies within its Abuja community.

“These programmes include tree planting, environmental sanitation, book donations to the National Assembly Library, nurturing young minds through essay, debate, and paper presentation competitions,” Ogadigbo said.

He further explained that there would also be a professional workshop on Nov. 25 with the theme: “Strategic Communication and Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI.”

According to Ogadigbo, the workshop will feature distinguished speakers such as Prof. Rotimi Oladele (former NIPR President); Mrs Nkiru Olumide-Ojo from Standard Bank Group, and AI expert, Mr Celestine Achi.

He said: “These sessions will equip our members with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, authentic leadership, and strategic storytelling for nation branding.

“Also, we will conduct a free PR Workshop for undergraduates at the University of Abuja, focusing on “Building Reputation in the Digital Age” on Nov. 26.

“Students from other universities will join too. This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to the next generation of communicators.

“The grand finale on Nov. 27 will feature our Anniversary Conference and Annual General Meeting to be followed by a Dinner and Awards Session, themed, ‘Cerebrating the Hands that Built FCT’ at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre.”

He explained that the activities were aimed at honouring individuals and organisations that had contributed to the growth and development of Abuja as the nations capital.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Hajiya Lami Tumaka, said the events heralding the anniversary actually started on Nov. 4.

Tumaka explained that Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi would serve as the Chairman of the occasion, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, would be the Chief Host.

She said that other dignitaries who are expected to grace the occasion are the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, among others.

(NAN)