NIPR moves to deepen relationship with government

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos State chapter, has assessed the antagonism between political parties, especially involving PDP and APC, as unnecessary.

“The scenario is not wholesome and if it is not nipped, it may snowball into something that may be catastrophe in the future,” Joseph Okonmah, chairman of the chapter, told journalists in Lagos.

Concerned with this development and other electoral violence in the country, the NIPR Lagos chapter has therefore invited Attahiru Jega to its 25 annual meeting and public lecture billed for September 4, to speak on ‘Curbing Electoral Violence in Nigeria: The Public Relations Dynamics.’

Okonmah, who recognised that the nation’s democracy was still evolving, but the NIPR wants to use the lecture to prick the consciousness of the people and enlighten politicians on certain things that are not right including electoral violence, said NIPR will use the forum to develop strategies towards curbing electoral violence in Nigeria.

The public lecture, which will be chaired by Fassy Yussuf, will feature the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba and Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos, Abubakar Gana, who will deliver sub-theme papers entitled: “The Role of Law Enforcement Agents and Curbing Electoral Violence in Nigeria; and “The Role of Nigerian Army in Democracy,” respectively.

Other stakeholders are also expected at the lecture scheduled to hold at the News Agency of Nigeria complex on September 4, this year.

This is also aimed at bridging the communication gap between government, corporate organisation, professionals and other stakeholders, thereby rendering positive mind-set towards a more favourable perception of Nigeria, Okonmah further said. “Nigerians yearn for a wholesome transformation of the country that would guarantee sustainable and efficient infrastructural development, good governance, peace and security. The lecture will also provide answers to the role public relations professionals can play to achieve them,” he said.

The 25th AGM activities will start with a special inter-religious thanksgiving prayer for the institute and the nation. It will be followed by a novelty football match between Lagos NIPR and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State chapter, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, August 30, 2014.

Also speaking at the unveiling of the plans for the lecture, chairman, AGM Marketing and Sponsorship Committee, Biodun Adeneye-Marcus, said that “the annual rite provides a platform for discussing vital national issues, bonding and networking for public relations professionals and government officials, corporate organisations, the media and other stakeholders in order to articulate strategies towards creating a favourable perception for Nigeria.”

Daniel Obi