Yolamchi Ukaga, Aba
The national president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Alhaji Siirajo Mukthar, has advised the institute’s members to use their tools of practice to find solutions to the problems bedevilling the country.
Mukthar made the call in Umuahia, at the annual general meeting/inauguration of the newly elected executive members of Abia state chapter, of the institute.
Represented by Samuel Oseloka, a council member, Mukthar urged public relations practitioners to stand out as professionals wherever they go and in whatever they do, conscious of the fact that they represent the institute.
He enjoined the Abia executive members to convene a citizens summit which the institute expects would galvanise views of Nigerians from all walks of life to get solutions to the nation’s current challenges.
“The Nigeria we have today is different from what it used to be. There is so much hatred, division, insecurity and anger and that is the reason many things are not working as expected. But we want that to end.
“Much effort had been made to solve Nigeria’s problems over time but those efforts failed, because the solutions proffered did not come from the people, but was handed down to them from leaders.
“That is why we, in NIPR, want to get the views of the stakeholders, through engaging Nigerians in a citizens summit for lasting solutions.
“I believe that Abia can organise a worthwhile citizens summit.”
He congratulated the newly elected Abia state chapter executive committee members, urging them to do more than they had done in the past to impact positively on the populace.
The election saw Anyaso Anyaso returned for a second tenure as chairman of the chapter. He thanked the chapter for the re-election and those of other members.
Anyaso, who is the director-general of Abia Broadcasting Corporation (BCA) thanked the chapter for considering them for re-election and stressed that the faith the institute had in them came with a burden.
“Leadership is not a joke, but a huge responsibility and that means that our re-election for another tenure, remains work-in-progress.
“We shall return to the workshop to get things done and we shall seek better ways to get them done.
“It is membership that should drive leadership and during the last tenure, some of the members did not help the institute financially and morally.
“Having given us this opportunity, to serve again, we expect that the members will support us financially and morally, so that we can give our best.
“We shall play our own role better to ensure we take Abia NIPR chapter to greater heights”, he said.
Others elected members included Felix Olunkwa as vice chairman, Dennis Ubani, secretary and Oluchi Franklin-Orji, public relations executive.
Others are Stella Ebede, assistant secretary, Emmanuel Ekomanna, financial secretary, Tina Ikwuagwu, treasurer, and Chinyere Kingsley-Onuoha, auditor.