By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter is set to train members and non-members on modern public relations techniques to produce desired PR outcomes in the state.
The Chapter Chairman, Dr Ngozi Ulogu stated this during the maiden Business Meeting organised by her administration in Awka, the Anambra state capital.
She noted that capacity building is key to the professional growth of members to keep them abreast with emerging trends in the reputation ecosystem.
"We need to understand how the Institute shapes us, and how to align to its codes of conduct.
"In the coming weeks, we shall increase our courtesy visits, and visibility strategies seeking collaboration and viable partnerships," she said.
Dr Ulogu, a Fellow of the Institute, encouraged members to register and participate in the forthcoming World Public Relations Week (WPRW) coming up later this year in Abuja.
To PR practitioners, she said "we manage ourselves, our relationships, our reputation, and so the call is for professionalism, selfless service and excellence."
While seeking the support of members in all ramifications, the Chairman assured that her administration is commited to piloting the affairs of the Institute in the Chapter, build bridges of unity and oneness and move the chapter to greater heights.
"Conflict is part of a human community, and conflict resolution is a strategic aspect of public relations. We tackle conflicts by being accountable about our actions and by being intentional about our actions.
"We specifically implore our members who are PROs in higher institutions and other organisations to project the Institute and its activities."
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On a sad note, Dr Ulogu announced the death of an elder statesman, mentor and Fellow of the Institute, Chief Sir Uche Udedibia (Ezennia) whose burial comes up on Friday 19th June, 2026.
Later, the immediate past Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Chinedu Glamour Nwoye urged public relations practitioners to use PR to reinvigorate professionalism & excellence in the state public service, organisations and private practices.
Speaking on the topic, Reinvigorating professionalism & excellence in the Anambra Public Service, the May Business Lecturer Mr Nwoye shared his wealth of experience as a successful public servant who was one of the most trusted aides of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo during the later's first tenure (March 17, 2022 to March 17, 2026).
"Public Relations (PR) can play a pivotal role in elevating professionalism and service excellence within the public sector."
Nwoye identified professionalism and excellence as structured approaches that PR teams can use to drive cultural change, improve accountability, and strengthen public trust.
"Professionalism simply means, understanding the ethics, norms and values of a particular business, role, engagement or assignment, thus, internalizing, actualizing and respecting it. Excellence, on its part, means perfection.
"To Reinvigorate the above mentioned, you should develop passion for the assignment or position given to you. When you develop passion for your job, you make your job your hobby.
"Make yourself a brand to stand out. There are two different kinds of branding here. The normal branding for easy identification and Attitude/character. Attitude/Character branding is the major ingredients in reinforcement of performance and excellence in public services.
"Always set targets for yourself and your team for proper performance assessment (KPI); Ensure transparency in service delivery so you can build trust and confidence amongst the team; build Trust through Proactive Accountability by believing in people, and let them know that you believe and trust them to deliver
"Leverage Storytelling by giving Testimony to encourage people, True life stories to make people believe and have faith. Live a lifestyle that encourages your subordinates to follow and respect you.
"Invest in People by Training and retraining them to enhance effective upgrade (Tech and innovation) while following Trend in order not to be outdated," Nwoye concluded.
Reacting to the lecture on behalf of the Chapter, the PR Mentor of the Month, Fellow of the Institute and former two-time National Vice President NIPR, Dr Dennis Ekemezie stressed the need for PR apprenticeship under seasoned mentors to enable mentees learn and imbibe the rudiments of practical PR and reputation building in a challenging society.
This, according to him, would make the mentees succeed in the PR business when eventually they are engaged in Government, organisations, multinationals, ministries, agencies, parastatals among others.
In appreciation, a former Chairman of the Chapter, Sir Fidelis Umeh thanked the present NIPR administration for holding firm the ideals of the Chapter and urged them never to relent.
The event was attended by fellows of the Institute, Lady Chinwe Nnedum and Dr Ozioma Nwankwo, spokespersons of various organisations, elders, distinguished professional colleagues, among others.