The President, Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, fnipr, has charged the Lagos Chapter of the Institute to uphold and strengthen its leadership role as the premier chapter of the Institute, describing it as the “beacon of professionalism” for the public relations industry in Nigeria.
Dr Neliaku made this call on Thursday, November 6, 2025, during an official visit to the Lagos Chapter, where he addressed members, engaged with the leadership and delivered a stirring message on unity, legacy and professional accountability. The visit formed part of his itinerary to deepen engagement with the state chapter and strengthen institutional cohesion.
In his remarks, the President lauded the Lagos Chapter for its historical and ongoing contributions to the Institute’s growth, noting that many landmark projects that have shaped the trajectory of the public relations profession in Nigeria were conceived, driven, or managed by members of the Lagos Chapter. These include the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW), the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, Reputation Day, the NIPR Committee of Fellows, the NIPR PRICE Awards, the re-jigging of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) among several others.
Dr Neliaku also announced that Nigeria had secured the right to host the World Public Relations Forum, a major global milestone for the country’s communications industry. In recognition of this progress, he disclosed that one of the Institute’s milestone projects, October 15, has now been adopted as a global milestone date for the profession.
Providing updates on ongoing national projects, the President revealed that the Institute’s State-of-the-Art National Secretariat Building was making significant progress. He further announced plans for November 22, 2025, when the NIPR would celebrate the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). He appealed to members of the Lagos Chapter to “rise to the challenge and not drop the ball,” urging them to demonstrate the same spirit of excellence and leadership that has consistently defined the chapter.
Reinforcing his message of collaboration and vision, Dr Neliaku noted:
“While seeking to grow, always remember that vision is a seed, but it is in the fellowship of like minds that it finds the soil to flourish. A dream pursued alone is a heavy burden, but a vision shared becomes a lighter, sweeter and far more achievable mission. Progress is not just about the destination; it is about the synergy of the journey.”
He challenged the Lagos Chapter to translate its collective vision into enduring impact, asking members to reflect deeply on a vital question:
“What legacy do you want to leave behind?”
During his session, Dr Neliaku provided feedback on the recent Lagos Chapter election process, commending the panel’s efforts while encouraging continued adherence to transparency, inclusion and the Institute’s ethical standards in all chapter activities.
He also charged the Chapter Chairman to champion the establishment of a dedicated Lagos NIPR Office as a Legacy Project, describing it as an essential step toward institutionalising the chapter’s operational and symbolic leadership in the profession.
In addition to these engagements, the President participated in the in-house launch of the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA), a flagship initiative of the Lagos Chapter that celebrates excellence in the PR industry. The event also featured the presentation of a new book on PR Measurement written by Philip Odiakose to the president; and coordinated by the Vice Chairman of the Chapter, further underscoring Lagos NIPR’s commitment to thought leadership and professional innovation.
The visit culminated in a vibrant interaction session, during which the President expressed appreciation to key Lagos members for their enduring dedication to the profession and their instrumental roles in several Institute-wide initiatives. He encouraged members to remain steadfast, collaborative and forward-thinking, as the chapter continues to serve as the standard-bearer for NIPR’s national reputation and impact.
In a moment of reflection, the NIPR President posed a profound question that resonated deeply with members present:
“What legacy do you want to leave behind?”
He urged practitioners to embrace legacy thinking, to view their work, relationships and professional commitments as seeds sown for the future of the industry and the nation. According to him, legacy is not built in isolation but through consistent, value-driven collaboration, professional integrity and mentorship.
Dr. Neliaku’s visit underscored the NIPR Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the bonds between national leadership and state chapters, ensuring that every chapter aligns with the Institute’s broader strategic vision for a more ethical, innovative and globally competitive public relations practice in Nigeria.
