The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has re-elected Dr. Ike Neliaku as the president and chairman of Council of the Institute. He was re-elected alongside vice president, Prof. Emmanuel S. Daudara, from Nasarawa Chapter. They will steer the affairs of the council for the next two years, together with other new executives, including former chairman of the Lagos Chapter, Olusegun McMedal, and the current chairman of the chapter, Comfort Nwankwo, were elected as Council members.

Also, Nigeria, through the NIPR, would host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), a move seen as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant music, exotic cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Furthermore, the Institute has established the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG)’s Body of Advisers and installed John Momoh, CEO of Channels Media Group, as the pioneer chairman of the group. This initiative aims to promote positive narratives about Nigeria and rebuild trust.

These developments are the outcome of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute, held at Ceedapeg Hotels in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from May 19–24, 2025, tagged ‘Uyo 2025,’ and part of the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) 2025.

The event, which had the theme “Solid Minerals: A Solid Path to Nigeria’s Sustainable Economic Recovery – The Challenge for Public Relations,” focused on strategies to project Nigeria’s strengths and address perceptions, domestically and internationally.

A total of 17 members were elected into the council through e-voting, which members praised as credible and demonstrative of the viability of e-voting in Nigeria.

The other newly elected council members include Mr. Akin Agbejule (Niger), Mrs. Olubunmi Adedoyin Badejo (FCT), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha (Anambra), Mallam Bashir Adamu Chedi, and Dr. Saudat Salah Abdubaqi (Kwara).

Additional new members are Comrade Ini Ememobong (Akwa Ibom), Malam Kabir Ali Kobir (Bauchi), Pastor Paulinus Enyidah Nsirim (Rivers), Prof. Sarah Benjamin Lwahas (Plateau), Mr. Adaramola Temitope (Ogun State), Dr. Adewale Oladipo Oyekanmi (Osun), Chief Patrick Ogoegbunem Uka (Delta), and Sajoh Ahmed Ibrahim (Adamawa).

Speaking at the event, the re-elected president and chairman, Dr. Ike Neliaku, expressed confidence that Nigeria is ready to present a compelling narrative to the world. “At WPRF 2026, the world will savour Nigeria’s magnificent splendour—from our cuisine to our creativity,” he affirmed. “Despite concerns about safety and tourism, Nigeria will demonstrate its importance as a premier destination in Africa.”

Dr. Neliaku continued, “Our collective narratives shape perceptions. Every Nigerian has a role in telling our story—of resilience, innovation, and hope.”

He also stressed the importance of effective communication in leadership and nation-building, sharing a recent experience where a simple question about Nigerian food became a metaphor for external perceptions. “The challenges of leadership in Nigeria are partly due to ineffective communication. Leaders need to share their visions openly and responsibly,” he emphasized.

Other key appointments to the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG)’s Body of Advisers included Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General, as vice chairman, and Mohammed Kudu Abubakar as secretary.

Commenting after his installation, Momoh said: “Every negative post or harsh comment erodes our image. Let us instead share stories of innovation, resilience, and excellence within our borders, promoting constructive narratives that rebuild trust and credibility.”

He urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to reposition Nigeria’s image.

Throughout the event, government officials and industry leaders called for unity in promoting positive stories.

Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, highlighted how negative reportage hampers foreign investment, affirming, “Our state is safe, peaceful, and investment-friendly.” She urged practitioners to leverage their expertise to foster peace and promote government initiatives.

Similarly, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, encouraged Nigerians to focus on positive narratives. “We need to speak good about our country,” he urged. “Constructive criticism is welcome, but our focus should be on promoting Nigeria’s successes so that we can accelerate development and restore our national pride.”

Taiwo Oyedele, chair of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, called for collective responsibility, stating, “Reforms may take time, but they are underway. All of us—government, media, and citizens—must work together to build a better Nigeria.”

The event also honoured prominent public relations practitioners with posthumous awards, celebrating their contributions to nation-building.