NIPR Urges Practitioners to Protect Nation Against Dangers of Digital Disruption
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged Nigerians, particularly public relations professionals to intensify efforts to protect the country against the dangers of digital disruption.
The President, Chairman of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku fnipr, gave this advice in a goodwill message delivered at the second day of the 2026 Rivers Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Institute’s Chairman, Chapter Support and Development Dr. Ahmad Sajoh fnipr, Dr. Neliaku commended the Rivers State Chapter for its contributions to the development of the profession, noting that the chapter had earned the respect of the national leadership through its commitment to advancing public relations practice.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of NIPR Rivers State Chapter, Rev. Francis Asuk, fnipr, described the conference as an opportunity for reflection, innovation and collaboration among public relations practitioners and stakeholders.
Asuk noted that the theme, “Repositioning Public Relations for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation in Rivers State,” was particularly relevant at a time when digital platforms were reshaping public discourse and influencing how governments, businesses and institutions engage their audiences.
He urged practitioners to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, while upholding the fundamental values of truth, ethics, credibility, professionalism and responsible communication.
The chapter chairman also stressed that public relations had evolved beyond managing information to building trust, strengthening relationships, promoting institutional reputation and contributing to sustainable development.
He called on practitioners to explore how public relations could contribute more effectively to good governance, investment promotion, social cohesion, environmental sustainability and economic development in Rivers State.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Casca Ogosu fnipr, described the event as unique, noting that it marked the first time the institute had dedicated an entire week to its activities.
Ogosu commended the Rivers State Chapter for nurturing young people into future public relations practitioners and called on the state government to strengthen its collaboration with the institute to improve public communication on government policies, programmes and activities.
He described the theme of the week as timely, given the unprecedented speed at which information spreads in the digital age.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Zeb-Obipi, who was the keynote speaker, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Richard Amadi.
The second day of the conference also featured two academic paper presentations, enriching discussions on the role of public relations in sustainable development and digital transformation.
The Rivers State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Worgu Wachuku, in his goodwill message, commended the chapter’s efforts and announced plans for future collaboration between the ministry and the institute. He also disclosed that the ministry had provided health workers to conduct free medical check-ups for participants during the conference.
The 2026 Rivers Public Relations Week is organised by the Rivers State Chapter of the NIPR to advance professional practice and strengthen the role of strategic communication in sustainable development and digital transformation.
