…Advises: PR must master Digital era to combat reputational threat
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Imo State Chapter, on Thursday, December 4, concluded its successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election at Owerri, inaugurating a new executive committee led by Mr. Zandas Okeke Otigba as Chairman.
The event’s high point was the Keynote Address by Professor Ikechukwu Dozie, Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Ogboko, on the critical theme: “Managing National Reputation in the Digital Era: The Role of Public Relations.” Professor Dozie delivered a stark assessment of the threats facing Nigeria’s image, warning that reputation, built over decades, is now vulnerable to destruction. He underscored the popular saying: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” He identified AI-created ambiguity and low public trust as primary challenges, stressing that in a crisis, “Silence or delayed response from official channels is no longer an option; it is reputational suicide.” The Professor challenged PR practitioners to become digital natives and urged government to adopt genuine dialogue and ensure communications are consistent, clear, truthful, and transparent to counter misinformation and salvage Nigeria’s reputation.
The AGM proceedings were officially monitored by the National President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, who was represented by Council Member Dr. Ilo Chinedu. Dr. Neliaku’s message praised the chapter’s exemplary organization and reminded the audience that factors like permanence, information velocity, and Dark PR have significantly increased the complexity of reputation management, calling on all practitioners and attending students to master digital tools.
Before the elections, the Chapter presented the Imo NIPR Leadership and Luminary Awards to ten distinguished personalities, recognizing their embodiment of the Institute’s principles of Leadership, Professionalism, and Excellence. The awardees were: former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; Chairman of the Imo State and Southeast Councils of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, CFR; Eze David N. Onuegwunwoke of Akwakuma Autonomous Community; KOMU VC Professor Ikechukwu Dozie; Visual Artist Paddy Obinna; Rt. Hon Emeka Nduka, Managing Director, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority; Dr. Obioma Okafor, Director General, Imo State Consumer Protection Council; business magnate Sir Obinna Iheama of OBZ Electronics; Dr. Nnaemeka Ijioma (Most Outstanding Member of the Chapter, 2025); and a Posthumous Award for Dr. Chuks Osuji, OON.
The AGM concluded with the election and swearing-in of the new Executive Committee:
Chairman: Zandas Okeke Otigba
Vice Chairman: Dr. Chidi Amaliri
Secretary: Dr. Uche Macaulay
Assistant Secretary: Dr. Nnaemeka Ijioma
Public Relations Executive: Ukana Omon
Treasurer: Violet Igwe
Welfare Officer: Destiny Akunesi
Internal Auditor: Ever Bezze Nwosu
In his acceptance speech, new Chairman Zandas Okeke Otigba pledged to work with his team to build on the achievements of the previous administration. The event was highly lauded by Fellows of the Institute, including Prince Ako Njemanze and Prince Ford Ozumba, for its relevance and comprehensive agenda.
