The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has announced its plans to honour Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, a fellow of the institute, with the prestigious Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award.
This honour will be conferred during the Institute’s Diamond Anniversary Dinner and Awards ceremony, marking a significant milestone in its 60-year history.
The announcement was made through a formal letter from the NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, who praised Elder Ogidi’s exceptional contributions in the field of public relations and his unwavering commitment and support to national development.
The NIPR was established in 1963 and officially chartered by Decree 16 in 1990 (now recognized as Cap. N114 Laws of the Federation, LFN 2024), serves as the sole regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria. Over the past six decades, it has played a pivotal role in promoting ethical standards and advancing the profession as a cornerstone for nation-building.
Elder Ogidi’s selection as the recipient of the Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award reflects his extensive service both within and outside the government. For good measure, Dr. Neliaku highlighted Ogidi’s dedication to excellence and professionalism, noting that his work has set a benchmark for others in the field and significantly enhanced the perception of public relations as a key leadership function.
The Diamond Anniversary Dinner and Awards ceremony, which promises to be a grand affair, is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The event will commence at 6:00 PM and will feature H.E. Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, as the father of the day.
Dr. Neliaku’s letter expressed the Institute’s eagerness to celebrate Elder Ogidi’s achievements and to use the occasion to inspire younger generations of public relations professionals.
“Your presence at this event would be a great honour to us, and we believe it will be a wonderful occasion to reflect on your achievements and inspire younger generations,” he wrote.
The NIPR’s Diamond Anniversary not only commemorates its enduring legacy but also its strategic contributions to national development. The celebration is set to highlight the Institute’s continuous commitment to the profession and its role in fostering ethical and effective public relations practices across Nigeria.
In extending his congratulations, Dr. Neliaku encapsulated the sentiments of the entire NIPR community, looking forward to a momentous occasion that honours both the past and the future of public relations in Nigeria.