The buildup to the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has begun as a prominent member of the NIPR Governing Council, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun has formally stepped forward to run for election into the Council.
A Fellow of the NIPR, the destination is to emerge as the President and Chairman of Council of Africa’s foremost public relations regulatory body. By the NIPR enabling legislation, the President and Vice President are elected by the Council members in an electoral college system.
Ali-Balogun, the first female Chairperson of the Lagos chapter of the NIPR, launched her campaign for the NIPR Governing Council on Tuesday. It is under the theme, PR Future Forward
Ali-Balogun is bringing her wealth of professional and managerial experience to bear in her push for NIPR leadership. She is a two-term membership of the NIPR Governing Council. For over 25 years, she has acquired a multi-disciplinary professional experience in public relations, both in the client and consultancy sides of the industry, which is one of her competitive edge to her quest to lead the Institute.
Her 10-point major campaign focus, which she has summarised under the acronym, CRANE geared at creativity, responsiveness, aspirational NIPR, injecting freshness, intends to focus on a digitalised Institute where NIPR will leverage technology in the delivery of its offerings and services. This include running an online curriculum for the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programmes, as well as online certification of aspiring practitioners; the essence of which is the convenience and cost optimisation for all stakeholders of the Institute, among others.
According to Ali-Balogun: ‘’I am running for this office because I want to continue to dedicate my time, energy, and experience to championing the interests of our Institute. As President my vision for the Institute will be centred on working together to shape the future of public relations and establish our organisation as a trailblaser”.
Eminent industry practitioners are already rooting for Ali-Balogun who is believed to have basic relevant leadership and human management requirements to galvanise a contemporary public relations practice for the institute.
