Edo NIPR raises committee to investigate, prosecute quacks, illegal practitioners

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has set up a committee to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals and entities practising Public Relations illegally or without proper certification.

James-Wisdom Abhulimen, state chairman of the chapter, disclosed this in Benin City at the quarterly general meeting and public lecture.

The public lecture has as its theme, ‘The Future of PR: Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Industry,’ delivered by Daniel Ekhereafo, head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin, UNIBEN.

Abhulimen said that the body set up the committee because it can no longer tolerate quackery or unregulated practices that undermine the profession’s integrity.

He opined that the committee was geared towards sanitising the profession.

“Let me sound a note of warning to individuals and entities practising Public Relations illegally or without proper certification that the long arm of the law will surely catch up with you.

“The Institute, in its bid to sanitize the profession, has set up a high-powered committee to identify, investigate, and prosecute offenders.

“We will no longer tolerate quackery or unregulated practices that undermine our profession’s integrity,” he said.

While describing the theme of the public lecture as apt and appropriate, he opined that “as the world around us evolves rapidly, so too must the practice.”

He noted that Public Relations was no longer what it used to be but now digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven communication are reshaping the industry.

He also said that the quarterly general meeting was a testament to its members’ collective resolve to move the profession forward in the state and in Nigeria at large.

“I want to restate the unwavering commitment of the leadership of this Chapter to the growth, development, and progress of the NIPR. We are determined to foster an environment of inclusion, innovation, and professional excellence.

“Through strategic engagements, continuous professional development, and public enlightenment, we are laying a solid foundation for the future of PR in Edo State.

“I must also use this opportunity to call on all members to renew their commitment to the advancement of our Institute. Our progress depends not only on the dedication of the leadership but also on the active involvement of every member.

“Staying aloof or indifferent only weakens our collective strength. I encourage everyone to contribute meaningfully through participation, ideas, and action to the growth of the NIPR and the profession it protects,” he said.

He, however, thanked and appreciated members who have contributed in one way or another to the growth and development of the profession in the state.

In his remarks, Paul Ohonbamu state commissioner for Information and Communications, commended the NIPR leadership for sustaining the profession in the state.

Ohonbamu, represented by Desmond Agbama, permanent secretary, State Ministry of Information and Communications, urged the union to help the state government in the dissemination and publicity of its policies and programs.

On his part, Matthew Owobu, former state chairman of the union and a fellow, appealed to the state government to always assign assignments to the Public Relations Officers serving in the various Ministry, Department and Agencies, MDAs, to take government activities, policies and programmes to the grassroots.

The Guest Lecturer, Daniel Ekhereafo, in his lecture, opined that the Public Relations industry was undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancement, social change, and evolving audience expectations.

Ekhereafo, head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin, UNIBEN, noted that embracing digital tools, leveraging data analytics, fostering authenticity through CSR, and navigating the complexities of crisis communication is essential for modern public relations professionals.

“As the landscape continues to evolve, innovation and adaptability will remain central to effective communication strategies,” he said.