As part of activities marking the 2026 World Public Relations Day, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ebonyi State Chaptre,has presented Excellence Service Awards to distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of public relations practice in the country.
The event, held at Eagle Royal Hotel, Abakaliki, attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, including the award recipients, public relations practitioners, friends, and well-wishers.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ebonyi State Chapter, Dr. Mrs. Agatha Orji Egwu, appreciated members of the institute and the awardees for their selfless service, commitment, and invaluable contributions toward building and sustaining the image and reputation of their various organisations and institutions.
Dr. Egwu explained that World Public Relations Day is a global event set aside to recognise the vital roles of public relations in promoting mutual understanding, trust, and effective communication between organisations and their stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University, Prof. Chike Emma Onwe, urged public relations practitioners to prioritise building trust and safeguarding the reputation of their organisations and institutions in order to sustain the profession in the digital age, where emerging technologies and social media have become dominant communication platforms.
Prof. Onwe noted that every era is remembered by the resources that define it, stressing that digital technology has transformed communication and public engagement. He observed that one of the greatest challenges confronting public relations practice today is the erosion of public trust.
According to him, reputation is a strategic asset that creates confidence, strengthens institutional legitimacy, and opens up greater opportunities for growth and development. He emphasised that consistent ethical behaviour remains the foundation for building and sustaining a positive reputation.
Speaking with journalists after the event, one of the award recipients and Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Hon. Sunday Nwambam, commended the organisers for the honour and pledged his continued support for the activities and programmes of the NIPR in Ebonyi State.
He noted that public relations practitioners have the responsibility of managing the reputation of their organisations, disseminating accurate information, and fostering cordial relationships between their organisations and the public.
Other recipients of the Excellence Service Award include the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinedu Onah; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mrs. Grace Umezurike; a Senior Lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Dr. Mrs. Chinaza Chukwunenye John; and the Director-General of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), Comrade Tony Nwizi, among others.
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