Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to deploy its professional expertise towards promoting responsible political communication, combating misinformation and hate speech, and ensuring peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun, who gave the charge at the second edition of the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR’s Owanbe Nite in Abeokuta, also urged public relations practitioners to champion issue-based political engagement and credible information dissemination to strengthen the nation’s democratic process.
The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Iskeel Olanrewaju Saka, said communication professionals had a strategic responsibility to promote political tolerance, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement, particularly as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
He spoke at the cultural and social event held on Friday at the Kayode Egbetokun Event Centre, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Ariya Galore: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness.”
Abiodun, who commended the Ogun NIPR Chairman, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, and members of the chapter for sustaining the initiative, described Owanbe Nite as a laudable platform for promoting cultural heritage, strengthening relationships and fostering interaction across different sectors of society.
He noted that the theme underscored the importance of unity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, adding that cultural heritage remained a powerful instrument for promoting social cohesion and strengthening collective identity.
The governor said the initiative aligned with his administration’s ISEYA development agenda, which prioritises inclusive development, stakeholder engagement and the active participation of different sectors in the state’s development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for collaboration between government, professional institutions and other stakeholders towards the socio-economic advancement of Ogun State.
Abiodun also encouraged public relations practitioners, particularly those in the Ogun State Civil and Public Service, to bring their professional expertise to bear on governance and service delivery while maintaining high ethical standards and contributing to improved institutional performance.
On the global front, he described the forthcoming Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum, with the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” as an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its contributions to the international public relations profession.
He urged the NIPR to use the international platform to promote ethical communication, strengthen professional partnerships and contribute to conversations shaping the future of public relations globally.
Earlier, the Ogun NIPR Chairman, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, said the second edition of Owanbe Nite was particularly significant as it marked the final major event of the current executive’s four-year tenure, providing an opportunity to celebrate the chapter’s achievements, recognise outstanding members and strengthen relationships.
Boye explained that the initiative was conceived to promote cultural identity, professional networking, friendship and unity beyond conventional boardroom engagements.
She said the theme, “Ariya Galore: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness,” reflected the chapter’s determination to celebrate the cultural diversity of Ogun State while strengthening the bonds that unite its people.
According to her, the event provided an opportunity for the three senatorial districts of Ogun State to showcase their distinct cultural heritage through music, dance, traditional attire and indigenous cuisines.
The chairman, who called for greater understanding and tolerance among Nigerians, said public relations practitioners had a responsibility to promote issue-based campaigns, counter misinformation and disinformation, and encourage peaceful political participation.
She maintained that democracy thrived when citizens were adequately informed and communication was deployed to build bridges rather than deepen divisions.
Reflecting on her administration’s four-year journey, Boye expressed appreciation to members, past chairmen, stakeholders and partners for their support, noting that the chapter had recorded milestones through professional development workshops, cinema hangouts, coastal retreats and cultural engagements.
She disclosed that the celebration also featured the recognition of outstanding members across seven award categories, including the Behind-the-Scenes Award, Most Performing Committee Award, Business Meeting Punctuality Champion Award, Cheerleader Award and Chapter Builder’s Award, alongside Best-Dressed Male and Best-Dressed Female awards.
Another major highlight was the unveiling of the Ogun NIPR Chronicle of Activities, a publication documenting the chapter’s programmes, achievements, milestones and activities over the past four years.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku; Chairman of the Occasion, Mr Israel Jaiye Opayemi; Father of the Night, Dr Joseph Bankole Filani; and Special Guest of Honour, Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, and the Towulade of Akinale Kingdom, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, Otileta I.
The second edition of Owanbe Nite reinforced the place of culture and social interaction in professional relationship-building, while providing an opportunity to celebrate excellence, document institutional achievements and promote unity among public relations practitioners and other stakeholders.
