The Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has charted a new course for technology-driven communication following its Annual General Meeting and executive election held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri. The newly constituted leadership, headed by Chairman Zandas Okeke Otigba, includes digital marketing expert Mr. Ukana Omon as the Chapter’s Public Relations Executive.
Mr. Omon, a certified performance marketing specialist, steps into the role with a mandate to strengthen the Chapter’s digital visibility, paid media strategy and community engagement. His appointment aligns with the broader call for modernised communication tools to drive membership growth and reposition the Chapter for the realities of a fast-evolving digital space.
That call was echoed by the AGM’s keynote speaker, Professor Ikechukwu Dozie, Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), who addressed the theme “Managing National Reputation in the Digital Era: The Role of Public Relations.” He warned that reputational damage now occurs at unprecedented speed, adding that “silence or delayed response from official channels is no longer an option; it is reputational suicide.”
With growing concerns about misinformation and online backlash, the Chapter aims to leverage Mr. Omon’s 4x Meta Certification and digital storytelling experience to improve strategic communication. The new direction is expected to boost awareness of NIPR values while building a more engaged community of practitioners across Imo State.
The AGM was supervised by the National President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, represented by Council Member Dr. Ilo Chinedu. Dr. Neliaku praised the Chapter’s organisational strength and stressed that modern practitioners must master digital competencies to remain relevant in today’s communication landscape.
Before the election, the Chapter honoured ten distinguished personalities with the Imo NIPR Leadership and Luminary Awards for exemplifying leadership, professionalism and excellence. Among the awardees were former governor Ikedi Ohakim; Chairman of Imo and Southeast Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, CFR; KOMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dozie; visual artist Paddy Obinna; and a posthumous recognition for veteran communicator Dr. Chuks Osuji, OON.
The newly elected executive committee includes Chairman Zandas Okeke Otigba, Vice Chairman Dr. Chidi Amaliri, Secretary Dr. Uche Macaulay, Assistant Secretary Dr. Nnaemeka Ijioma, Public Relations Executive Ukana Omon, Treasurer Violet Igwe, Welfare Officer Destiny Akunesi, and Internal Auditor Ever Bezze Nwosu. In his acceptance speech, the Chairman pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration while steering the Chapter into a digitally strengthened future.
