The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ebonyi State Chapter, has honoured some personalities with Excellence Service Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of public relations practice in the country.
The awards which formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Public Relations Day, held at Eagle Royal Hotel, Abakaliki, with the award recipients, dignitaries from within and outside the State, including public relations practitioners, friends, and well-wishers, in attendance.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ebonyi State Chapter, Dr. Mrs. Agatha Orji-Egwu, expressed delight at the commitment of members especially the awardees for their selfless service, dedication, and invaluable contributions toward building and sustaining the image and reputation of their various organisations and institutions.
She emphasized that the commemoration of World Public Relations Day gives PR Professionals the opportunity to reflect on the vital role they play in shaping public perception, managing crisis, shaping businesses, governance, building relationships and fostering ethical and strategic communication.
In a keynote lecture, the former Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi State, Prof. Chike Onwe, explained that public relations practitioners should prioritise building trust and safeguarding the reputation of their organisations and institutions in order to sustain the profession in the digital age.
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.
“Strategic Public Relations must therefore move beyond managing messages toward governing institutional trust. Its responsibility is to help leadership ensure that perception is anchored in demonstrable integrity, competence, and accountability”.
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.
The awardees including the Secretary, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, Dr, Chinaza Peculiar Chukwunenye, commended the leadership of NIPR in Ebonyi State for the recognition, reiterating their commitment to keep impacting the society and NIPR in Ebonyi State.
Other recipients of the Excellence Service Award include the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mrs. Grace Umezurike, Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Inter Party Affairs, Sir Sunday Nwambam, Former Commissioner for Information, Prof. Chike Onwe, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Dr. Chinyere Obi-Umahi, Vice Chairman, NIPR Ebonyi State chapter, Commandant Dr. Celestine Ukeoma and the Head of Public Relations at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Chief Oji, Uzodinma Nelson, among others.(Core Valid News)
