The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed readiness to deepen its partnership with the state government to strengthen the communication architecture and enhance citizen engagement across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The commitment was conveyed when the leadership of the Institute, led by its chairman, Dr. James-Wisdom Abhulimen, paid a visit to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, in Benin City.
Abhulimen, who delivered the goodwill message of the national leadership of the Institute, congratulated the commissioner on his appointment, describing it as a testament to his professionalism, integrity and record of effective public communication.
He said the emergence of an NIPR member as commissioner was reassuring for the profession in the state.
He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he termed visionary and inclusive leadership, noting that the administration’s reforms in infrastructure, governance and service delivery were already boosting public confidence and deepening citizen involvement.
The NIPR chairman reminded the commissioner of the institute’s statutory role as the sole regulator of public relations practice in the country.
According to him, the visit was not only to felicitate with the commissioner but also to reaffirm the Institute’s commitment to supporting the ministry in driving transparent communication and strengthening linkages between government and the public.
He said the Institute had outlined key areas of collaboration, particularly the professionalisation of public relations, media and information officers across state and local government structures.
Licensing and continuous training of officers, he said, would enhance message accuracy, curb misinformation and improve public trust in government communications.
Abhulimen also appealed to the government for institutional support, including the provision of a functional secretariat and an operational vehicle to enable the Edo State chapter run its programmes more effectively.
The commissioner was also briefed on the Institute’s forthcoming state conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will draw communication professionals, policymakers and
Responding, Prince Afegbua, commended the Institute for the visit and for its consistent advocacy for professionalism in the communication space.
He described the engagement as timely, noting that the present administration is committed to building a communication ecosystem that reflects transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
Afegbua assured the NIPR of the state government’s support and partnership, particularly in areas that will enhance the capacity of public information managers across MDAs.
He emphasised the importance of balanced, accurate, objective and unbiased reportage, stressing that effective communication remains central to sustaining public trust.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry would explore avenues for strategic collaboration with the Institute to strengthen government–citizen relations and ensure that credible information flows seamlessly to the public.
