WORLD PR DAY 2024: RIVERS GOVERNOR CALLS ON PR PRACTITIONERS TO DEVELOP FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS AND MAINTAIN THE ETHICS OF THE PROFESSION

By Dr Helen Chimezie 
 The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has called on public relations practitioners to develop foundational skills needed in their profession, in order to stay relevant amidst the disruptions caused by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Governor Fubara made this call while speaking at an event organized by the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in commemoration of the 2024 World Public Relations Day, which held on Tuesday July 16, 2024 at the CBN Centre of Excellence, University of Port Harcourt.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson noted that in line with the theme of the event, 'The Future of Public Relations in a Changing World', the future of public relations may be found in the disruptions caused by Artificial Intelligence.

This according to him is an interesting and challenging prospect for PR profession, which is a communications management founded on ethics. He therefore urged PR practioners to develop foundational skills of writing and speaking, issues management, stakeholder engagement and so on to be able to make the transition to utilizing AI and the new media competently and responsibly.

"As you reflect on the future of public relations in a changing world,  maintain the ethics of the profession, otherwise, you might lose the right to self-regulation," he stressed.

He also congratulated the NIPR for securing the recognition of public relations as a cadre in the Civil Service from the National Council on Establishment, as confirmed by Circular No HCSF/SPSO/ODD/CND/100/S.1/196 personally signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

He added that the Rivers State Government through the Office of its Head of Service is working to implement the caderization in the Rivers State Civil Service, while affirming that the State is taking relevant steps to secure the future of public relations in the Civil Service.

Speaking earlier at the event, the National President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku who was represented by a member of the Governing Council of the Institute, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim welcomed participants at the event and spoke on the essense of the World Public Relations Day.

He stressed that the current leadership of the NIPR is determined to foster professionalism in the profession, and that plans are underway to build a Public Relations University in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

On his part, the Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the NIPR, Reverend Francis Asuk in his opening remark said the theme of this year's World Public Relations Day is both timely and significant as practitioners navigate an era marked by rapid transformation and unprecedented challenges.

The State Chairman who was represented by his Vice, Dr Parry Benson, explained that public relations has always been a dynamic field, adapting to the evolving needs of society and the ever-changing landscape of communication.

 

"Today, more than ever, the role of the public relations professional is crucial in shaping narratives, building trust, and fostering meaningful connections between organizations and their publics," he noted. 

He enumerated several key trends that will shape the landscape of public relations as we look into the future, which include digital transformation, crisis management and ethical communication.

He stated that PR practice in the hands of quacks have left the nation with some reputation haemorrhage, and that in a bid to reverse this trend and drive a national rebirth, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council has set up the NIPR Acts Compliance committee.

He further stated that the State Chapter has embarked on public sensitization and awareness campaigns to ease out quackery within the State.

"We have also set up committees to drive peace initiatives and environmental restoration as part of our contributions to inclusivity and sustainable development in the region. For the first time, the Chapter will be hosting the first ever PR Week and Regional Awards event in the State," He revealed.

He therefore urged PR practioners to embrace the future with optimism and continue to learn, adapt and innovate, so that public relations will remain a vital force for good governance in our country and the ever-evolving world.

Public relations being a vital force was further underscored by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill who hosted the event.

He observed that NIPR is a wonderful association and that he practically advocates for the Institute. 

"I always tell people that if you are not part of the professional association you said you belong to, then you are a quack. Luckily we have a department that teaches public relations and just recently, the National Universities Commission (NUC) came for resource verification of the department," he revealed.

The Head of the Department of Public Relations in the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Sunny Mbazie reiterated that the University gives priority to PR, and that he is glad that NIPR Rivers State Chapter decided to collaborate with the University in celebrating 2024 World PR Day.

He also stated that the mission of the Public Relations department is to train those that will be experts in public relations, while calling on PR practioners to emphasize on exploring emotional and social intelligence.

"We should encourage customer base by building relationships. By building relationships, we could build trust, and grow our businesses," he said.

The event had panel discussions and was well attended by students in the field of communication and public relations practitioners.

The World Public Relations Day (WPRD) is an annual event instituted in 2020 for practitioners to celebrate and take pride in the role PR play in shaping and building brands through strategic communications. It is usually celebrated on July 16th of every year.

 

Ends/

 

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