NIPR Reaffirms Commitment to Amplifying Women's Voices at its First IWD
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), says it is committed to a future where women's voices will be heard more, stressing that their talent and leadership is crucial to drive an inclusive national growth.
These were the words of the President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku on Monday, 30th March, 2026 at the International Women's Day event organised by the Institute in Abuja, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser.
Themed, "Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women", it was the Institute's maiden International Women's Day.
While emphasising that societies do not diminish, instead flourish when women are enabled to contribute in key sectors, including public service, media, corporate governance, civil society and public relations, Dr. Neliaku noted that women have continued to demonstrate brilliance, resilience and transformative attributes even within the fold of NIPR.
Describing as "paradox" a situation where men adore their mothers, love their wives, honour their sisters, cherish their daughters and at the same time are reluctant in supporting women to take up leadership positions. "I don't understand the paradox. When it comes to women being in leadership positions, they say no", he stated.
He continues, "In the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), we therefore reaffirm our commitment to a future where women's voices must be heard. Every woman's talent is valued, and every woman's leadership is welcomed.
"As we gather to celebrate the first NIPR International Women's Day, we celebrate not only the struggles of the past, but the extraordinary possibilities of the future. As we lament the past, we must look up to the future. We celebrate the unstoppable force of human progress that women represent. The progress of humanity has never been the work of men alone", the NIPR boss further stated.
In her remarks, the Keynote Speaker and Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman described communication as a tool to correct stereotypes that have worked against women for decades, urging public relations practitioners to contribute in changing the narrative by communicating with precision, backed by data and enabled by courage.
While underlining that it is not enough for few women to shatter the glass ceiling and make their way to the decision-making table, Usman said the systemic barrier that stop others must be addressed holistically to create more opportunities for others.
"It is therefore the responsibility of communicators to pioneer equity branding and communications that explains and advocates for policies that advocate specific barriers", she said.
She urged that social and cultural stigma that silence women's voices in leadership and public discourse should be confronted, decrying low representation of women in leadership across board.
Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event said the theme is a direction, strategy and national call to action which speaks directly to the conscience of the nation.
The governor said a communication that excludes women sustains inequality, calling on public relations professionals to use their privileged positions to strike a balance that highlights women as leaders, thinkers, innovators and decision-makers.
"When women are empowered, the future is secured. Let us, therefore, not just celebrate women, let us create systems where they thrive. Let us not just speak about equity let us institutionalise it. And let us not just communicate, let us communicate to transform", the governor advised.
