The Ag Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Prof Kate Omenugha has charged Nigerians particularly public relations practitioners to use public relations as a catalyst for peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.
She stated this at COOU Igbariam during the 2nd HRM Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe Lecture Series, which was jointly organised by Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and COOU, and has as it’s theme “Achieving Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria: The Public Relations Approach”.
Declaring the event open, Prof Omenugha urged the participants to draw from the wisdom of the Speakers to envision a future where differences are celebrated, voices are heard, and nation stands united.
She noted that the theme of the event is both timely and critical because of the nature of the country. “Nigeria is a land of extraordinary diversity, a tapestry woven from a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and cultures. While diversity enriches our national identity, it also presents challenges that if left unaddressed, can lead to discord and ultimate disunity”.
Named after the foremost warlord Odumegwu Ojukwu – a man that symbolizes bravery and resilience, Prof Omenugha said COOU has been driven with resilience in the 24 years of it’s existence, attracting both the high and the mighty and having lectures that ignite the mind and give room for culture and creativity.
“And this resonates with the 3Vs of our administration – Values, Viability and Visibility. We have a dream in setting up the Alfred Achebe lecture series. May this dream not die.
“It is not a surprise therefore that NIPR under the able leadership of Dr Ike Neliaku President and Chairman of Governing Council, is partnering with our university to give honour and immortalize a man who indeed is seen as a bastion of culture – Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi).
“It was about this time last year that Prof. Nwammuo led Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) initiated and held the first lecture series. In that lecture series, the President and his team were on ground. By his very pronouncement, the Achebe lecture became a national programme.
“Again, last year I was in attendance as a mere member of NIPR, albeit a fellow and Council member. The host was the predecessor, Prof Greg Nwakoby, but today I stand as the Ag Vice Chancellor, the Co-host (Hosting with the NIPR President a great honour indeed), a Council member of NIPR and a fellow of the institute. So you can see the many caps on this my head and I thank God who makes all things perfect”, Prof Omenugha concluded.
Also speaking, the President and Chairman Governing Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku said the event was instituted to celebrate one of the nation’s visible exports, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, fellow of NIPR, Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council.
He noted that the celebration becomes necessary to celebrate him while he is alive, having been a thoroughbred public relations practitioner who has served the country in various capacities.
“I will leave us with five calls. Everybody in Nigeria will realise that our reputation as a nation is not where it ought to be. We are almost becoming a nation of ridicule.
“NIPR is the first chattered public relations institute in the world. It was after it was given to us in 1990 that Australia followed and two other countries, followed. We are on four in the world that are chartered by law to practice public relations and it was given to us by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and foundation Grand Patron of the Institute.
“He charged us (NIPR) to write a new narrative for the country. Hence, we initiate the Nigeria Reputation Management Group. We are building a group of people that will henceforth take the reputation of this country as what it should be…a core national asset. This group will he unveiled on the 15th of this month.
“Second call, is the call to promote public relations as a core leadership function where leaders engage their citizens in order to effectively execute their programmes and projects to meet people’s needs. PR grew from office function to management function and today, leadership function. This is why we are now building a Public Relations and Leadership University in partnership with Nassarawa State Government and has been recognised by Global Alliance that comprise 126 countries.
“Third call, is the call for responsible communication where leaders must be held accountable for their communication. They should be taught how to communicate effectively and be held accountable.
“Fourth call is for the sustainability. We must have sustainability plan so that whether Agbogidi is here not, this legacy must continue. Hence, we are initiating Igwe Achebe Lecture Sustainability Committee, comprising seven members to be Chaired by the Vice President of NIPR in his capacity as Chairman NIPR Education Advisory Board; Prof Okey Ikechukwu, chairman of the National Planning Committee; three members from the COOU the VC will nominate and Prof Angela Nwammuo who in her own tenure as Anambra State Chapter Chairman, initiated this idea and then Lady Ngozi Okoye who is the Chairman, Local Organising Committee.
“Next year, it will be bigger than what we had last year and this year. It will equally be joined by South Eastern chapters of NIPR.
“Finally, good people practice public relations but great people belong to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Because as we said, the only profession in heaven is public relations.”
Eminent guests at the occasion include the guest lecturer Prof Pat Utomi, professor of Political Economy; Sen High Chief Dr Ben Ndi Obi, Chairman of the occasion; Hon Aliyu Wakili Boya, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions; Prof Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice President NIPR; Dr Ahmad Sajo, Chairman Anti-Corruption and Consume Protection of NIPR; leadership of NIPR from Delta, Enugu and Imo States; Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, members of his Royal Cabinet; traditional rulers from various communities in Anambra State, among others.###
