the brief history of Nigeria institute of Nigeria relation
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), hitherto known as the Public Relations Association of Nigeria, was established in 1963 through the pioneering efforts of Dr Sam Epelle, Alex Nwokedi, Aduke Alakija, Theo Awobogu, Kunle Ojora, Wilton High and Dan Agbakova. The body attained the status of a Chartered Institute through Decree No. 16 of 1990 (now an Act of the National Assembly). The defunct Public Relations Association of Nigeria was founded. The Law empowers the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to register members, regulate and monitor the practice/development of the PR Profession as well as monitor professional conduct through an established Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The law also stipulates academic and professional qualifications required for admission into the Institute. As the sole regulator of Public Relations practice in Nigeria, the Institute is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
At the helm of the Institute’s affairs is a twenty-two (22) member Council comprising 17 registered public relations professionals elected every two years by members of the Institute and five (5) members of the Institute nominated by the Federal Government. The Council is chaired by the President who is assisted by a Vice President. The President and Vice President are elected every two years through an electoral college made up of only elected Council Members.
To ease the day-to-day administration of the Institute, the Law provides for the appointment of a Registrar by the Council appoints a Registrar. The Registrar is appointed for a fixed renewable term of five years and has the primary duty to prepare and maintain the register of members by the rules made by the Council. The Registrar is assisted by a host of competent and professional diverse workforce located at the Abuja National Secretariat and the Lagos liaison office of the secretariat. Ultimately all acts undertaken by the NIPR’s officers and staff are in the name of, and with the authority of, the Council.
Elected Members
1. Dr. Ike Neliaku fnipr - President & Chairman of Council – FCT Chapter
2. Prof. Emmanuel S. Dandaura fnipr, FNAL - Vice President & Vice Chairman of Council – Nasarawa Chapter
3. Dr. Sule Ya'u Sule fnipr – Kano Chapter
4. Mr. Akin Agbejule fnipr – Niger CHapter
5. Mrs. Olubunmi Adedoyin Badejo fnipr – FCT Chapter
6. Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha fnipr – Anambra Chapter
7. Mallam Bashir Adamu Chedi fnipr – Kaduna Chapter
8. Prince Ford ObiOzumba fnipr – Imo Chapter
9. Dr. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi fnipr – Kwara Chapter
10. Mrs. Thelma Chika Okoh mnipr – Lagos Chapter
11. Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien mnipr - Akwa Ibom Chapter
12. Mallam Kabir Ali Kobi mnipr – Bauchi Chapter
13. Pastor Paulinus Enyindah Nsirim mnipr - Rivers Chapter
14. Prof. Sarah Benjamin Lwahas mnipr - Plateau Chapter
15. Mr. Adaramola Temitope mnipr – Ogun Chapter
16. Dr. Adewale Oladipo Oyekanmi mnipr – Osun Chapter
17. Mr. Bajulaiye Olanrewaju Adetokunbo anipr – Lagos Chapter
18. Brig. Gen. S.K. Usman (Rtd), fnipr, mni – FCT Chapter
19. Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Sanusi fnipr – FCT Chapter
20. Mrs. Omolara Ebunoluwa Esan - FCT Chapter
21. Mr. Jibril Baba Ndace – Niger Chapter
22. Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu - Lagos Chapter
The NIPR has Chapters across the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), each Chapter is headed by an elected Chairman who is assisted by a Vice Chair and other Executive Committee members.
By the NIPR Act, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by law is the Grand Patron of the Institute, while the Governors at State levels and the Minister of FCT are Patrons.
From inception to date, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has produced fifteen (15) Presidents in the following order of succession:
Dr. Ike Neliaku 2023 - Date
Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo 2018 – 2023
Dr. Rotimi Oladele 2013 – 2018
Alh. Mohammed A. Abdullahi 2009 – 2013
Professor Ike Nwosu 2005 – 2009
Senebo Bobo Brown 2001 – 2005
Chief Jibade Oyekan 1998 – 2001
Alhaji Sabo Mohammed 1993 – 1998
Mazi Mike Okereke 1988 – 1993
Chief Alex Akinyele 1984 – 1988
Chief Bob Ogbuagu 1980 – 1984
Alhaji Ikhaz Yakubu 1976 – 1980
Tonye Willie Harry 1972 – 1976
Chief Kanu Offonry 1968 – 1972
Dr. Sam Epelle 1963 – 1968