Rivers
‘PR, Catalyst For National Harmony, Corporate Growth’
The Public Relations profession has the power to be a catalyst for national peace and harmony as well as for organisation growth and development.
Arenowned Public Relations expert, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, made this assertion in a keynote speech at the 2023 World Public Relations Day (WPRD) organised by the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Rivers State University, in Port Harcourt, last week.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Public Relations”, Nkwocha noted that the Public Relations concepts of Issues and Crisis Management as well as Stakeholder Management were keys for resolving industrial and national issues, and helping to engender national cohesion and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
Nkwocha, who is a Fellow of NIPR, highlighted several issues that the use of PR can resolve to impact positively on society.
He also stated that Public Relations has the power to steer public perception and public opinion in the positive direction, which in turn, can be a business enabler by using goodwill, positive image and reputation to grow businesses and increase a company’s profit.
He stressed that Public Relations “has the power for social re-engineering and peace in institutions, governments and nations through effective stakeholder engagement and management.”
Nkwocha added that Public Relations has the power to predict the future through trends analysis and credible forecasting, while opening doors to opportunities.
The speech outlined the origins of the WPRD, different definitions of Public Relations, the role PR practitioners should perform as they celebrate the special day, the amazing possibilities of Public Relations and how these can be harnessed for the public good.
Nkwocha, who is the head of Corporate Communications at a multinational giant,Indorama-Nigeria, after his postulations, recommended that practitioners should see their profession as a serious business that must be practiced creditably and ethically, before he concluded that “Indeed, Public Relations is powerful, if well harnessed.”
In his opening remarks at the event, Chairman of Rivers NIPR, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, explained that the institute was to set to start the enforcement of the law to prosecute anybody practicing Public Relations in Rivers State without requisite certification from the NIPR.
“Very soon, our Ethics and Disciplinary Committee would swing into action because the Public Relations Decree of 1990 makes it a criminal offence to practice public relations without certification, and that law provides for imprisonment of not more than two years or a fine or both for offenders.”
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, assured that the institution was committed producing quality Public Relations graduates that would impact society positively.
He was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof Valentine Omubo-Pepple.
Rivers
Rivers Diaspora Lauds Fubara Over Credible LG Polls
The Rivers people in diaspora have commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for successful conduct of local government elections across the State.
The President of the group, Mr Churchill West Jack made the commendation in a press release made available to The Tide, stressing that the elections were fair and transparent.
He averred that the elections were described as the best local government elections in the State, and urged those who won to be magnanimous in victory.
“Warmest congratulations to the newly elected chairmen and councillors of our dear State. We sincerely thank the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission ( RSIEC ) for standing firm and conducting the fairest and most peaceful election in the history of our State.”
To our humble governor, a man of few words with so much action, who has continuously shown that God prepared him for this moment, to save the good people of our dear State from the hands of greedy men.” Finally, we want to say a big thank you to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the honourable speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, the chairman of Obio/Akpor, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, and many more for their doggedness, and resilience in fighting side by side with the governor to save the soul of the State.
God bless the governor and God bless the good people of Rivers State.”
Akujobi Amadi
Rivers
Former Guber Candidates Hail LG Polls …Congratulate Winners
The Forum of Ex-Governorship Candidates in Rivers State from 2011-2023 has scored the just-concluded Local council elections in Rivers State.
Chairman of the forum, Prof. O. T. Gillis Harry; Secretary, Hon. Chinesum David Godwin; and Publicity Secretary, Hon Deekae Richards, in a statement on Saturday said the election has demonstrated that it is possible to conduct elections across much of the country without relying on Nigerian security agencies.
“It highlights the notion that these agencies may be a significant barrier to achieving transparent, free, fair, and credible elections. Moving forward, the Civil Defence Force should be utilised for all our elections nationwide to ensure integrity and public confidence in the electoral process”, they stated.
The forum also described the elections as the most peaceful ever conducted in the State’s history.
In their words, “it is clear that love and integrity can guide our electoral processes, demonstrating that the fear of God can lead to a harmonious outcome. As the scripture says, ‘When the righteous rule, the people rejoice’, and today, we have witnessed that truth in action’.
They also observed that the absence of police during the election did not hinder the process, but rather highlighted the remarkable organization and coordination of the event.
Commending Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for their near perfect logistics, the forum noted that the early arrival of electoral materials across all three Senatorial Districts, covering all 23 local government areas was commendable.
They emphasised the need for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain this positive momentum.
”The election has proven that good can indeed triumph over evil, and the collective effort of the people of Rivers State has been instrumental in achieving this peaceful outcome.
“Let us celebrate this milestone and continue to foster a spirit of unity and progress in our great state. God bless Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and God bless the good people of Rivers State”, the forum further said.
Congratulating the winners of the election, the Forum described the victories as a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in them by Rivers people.
“We urge you to hit the ground running, consolidate the good efforts of the Governor, and replicate his exemplary leadership in your respective Local Government Areas”, they charged the winners.
They urged the new leadership at the local government levels to improve the lives of the grassroots, and make a positive difference.
They also commended the Governor for what they called his “visionary leadership”.
Kevin Nengi
Rivers
New Omuma LG Boss Promises Fresh Lease Of Life
Newly sworn-in Chairman of Omuma Local Government Council, Hon. Promise Reginald, has pledged to continue providing sustainable development in the area.
Reginald, who won the local government chairmanship elections on Saturday, expressed appreciation to the people of Omuma for their massive participation in the elections, noting that his victory was affirmation that the area is ready for a new lease of life.
Speaking to newsmen about his plan to transform the area, he said, “this is a ticket for us to continue what we have started. And as we have done before, we will continue to empower our people”.
He also promised to key into the policy objectives ofthe Staye Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s administration by ensuring development and human capital development.
Hon. Reginald won the Chairmanship under the flag of All People’s Party (APP) and assured that he would never fail the confidence reposed on him by Omuma people.
In a similar vein, Vice Chairperson of the LGA, Mrs. Regina Princewill, pledged to give new lease of life to Omuma women.
She told newsmen after casting her vote at Ward 10 Unit 8 in Omuma that the welfare of the womenfolk will be her priority.
She also promised to support the Chairman in giving advice and any other responsibility that maybe required of her office.
“I will be a team player and provide the needed support for the transformation of Omuma LGA”, she promised.
Kevin Nengia
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