By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Reputation management and its growing importance in an increasingly digital and fast-paced communication environment are set to dominate discussions at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Summit of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, coming up in March.
This was disclosed during a special ceremony held at the New Government House (Light House) in Awka on Thursday, January 29, where “Managing Reputation Capital in the Digital Age: Influence, Integrity and Impact” was officially unveiled as the theme of the 2026 NIPR State AGM and Summit slated for March 12 and 13.
The event, which attracted an array of stakeholders from government, academia, media, corporate organisations and professional bodies, also officially set the tone for what is expected to be a high-level and intellectually engaging annual gathering of public relations practitioners in the state.
Unveiling the theme, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dissected the place of reputation in every society and organisation, while also beaming light on Anambra State’s reputation in the midst of diverse social, political and economic activities, as well as the impacts such activities and narratives have on governance, investment and public trust.
Commissioner Mefor, making references to the sit-at-home issues in the state and the controversies surrounding it, noted that reputation is often shaped not only by reality but by perception, misinformation and how issues are communicated and managed in the public space. He stressed that effective reputation management remains critical to correcting false narratives, projecting truth and sustaining confidence in public institutions.
The Commissioner described the theme as timely and thought-provoking, further emphasising that in the digital age where information travels faster than verification, public relations professionals must be deliberate, ethical and strategic in managing influence, integrity and impact.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Local Organising Committee Chairman for the 2026 AGM, Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha, said the official unveiling marked a defining moment for the Anambra NIPR Chapter as it prepares to host a summit designed to interrogate one of the most critical issues of modern communication practice.
Dr. Omenugha, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, expressed appreciation to the members state Leadership of NIPR, as well as the guests and strategic partners for their solidarity, support and encouragement. He specifically appreciated such institutions as the Anambra State ICT Agency (ANICTA), Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Ibeto Seaport and Terminals, Jotham Steel Industries and Zhongtian Construction Nigeria Limited, noting that their support reflects growing confidence in the relevance, activities, and vision of the Institute.
According to Dr. Omenugha, the theme unveiling was far more than a ceremonial exercise, but a declaration of readiness by the Institute to interrogate how reputation is shaped, challenged, protected and leveraged in an era defined by digital disruption, speed and perception warfare.
He noted that reputation has become both powerful and fragile, explaining that a single digital post could elevate a brand or erode decades of credibility, while influence is no longer driven solely by institutional authority but by perception, engagement and ethical conduct.
Describing public relations professionals as custodians of trust, defenders of truth and architects of responsible influence, he further stressed that integrity remains non-negotiable, adding that while technology may amplify voices, it is also character that sustains credibility.
Providing details of the upcoming event, Dr. Omenugha disclosed that the keynote address at the summit would be delivered by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; while Prince Chukwudi Oli (Oba Ezeafia) would serve as Chairman of the Day.
The LOC Chairman also announced that the 2026 AGM would be a two-day programme, with the first day (March 12) dedicated to students and young practitioners at the ETF Hall, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, and featuring PR guru, Dr. Uche Nworah, as Guest Speaker, where he will speak on “Breaking Ground Early: Building a Career in Public Relations.”
Dr. Omenugha added that the first day would also feature the conferment of the Young Reputation Champion Award on Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu and Hon. Ugochukwu Obiefuna, as well as two brands, De Shield Events and Naira Rice.
Continuing, he said the second day would be at the International Convention Centre, Awka on Friday, March 13, where the keynote address would be delivered by the NBA President, Mazị Osigwe. He added that on the same second day, Lifetime Reputation Management Awards presented to distinguished individuals and brands, while elections into new executive positions will also be conducted electronically.
In her opening remarks at the event, the Anambra State Chapter Chairperson of NIPR, Prof. Angela Nwammuo, fnipr, described the unveiling as apt and felicitous, noting that the theme also captures the realities confronting public relations practice in today’s digital age.
Commending the Omenugha-led Local Organising Committee, Prof. Nwammuo praised their vision, dedication and organisational skills, stating that the chapter is poised to deliver an AGM and Summit that would be exceptionally impactful, engaging, and professionally rewarding.
According to her, the Institute remains committed to raising professional standards, strengthening ethical practice and positioning NIPR as a key stakeholder in national development. While reiterating her call and extending hand of membership to interested persons in the state to join the Institute, she also expressed confidence that the 2026 AGM would reinforce Anambra State’s leading role and position in public relations discourse.
In a goodwill message, former Commissioner for Information in the state and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, lauded the quality of the event and growing relevance of public relations in governance and society at large.
Prof. Okunna, who is also the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed delight at the progress and impact being made in the field by Dr. Omenugha, whom she described as her student and an academic son she has remained proud of since his secondary school days. She further encouraged him to keep up the good work, while also urging practitioners to uphold integrity, scholarship and professionalism in navigating the complexities of modern-day communication.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, reaffirmed her commitment to NIPR, attributing her success and professionalism to the principles, strategies and networks she built as a member of the Institute.
Urging members to learn to build bridges, Prof. Omenugha, a Fellow and the only current Council Member of NIPR from the South-East, stressed the importance of collaboration, ethical practice and continuous learning.
Speaking further in an exclusive interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor; she expressed concern over the menace of quackery among Public Relations practitioners, describing it as a major challenge confronting the profession. She also explained that NIPR provides structured membership cadres for interested practitioners to acquire the right training, ethics and professional guidance.
While noting that any Commissioner for Information or Public Relations Officer who does not belong to NIPR is a quack, she revealed that the Institute, backed by law, has the authority to prosecute such individuals.
Sharing her thoughts on the unveiled theme, Prof. Omenugha described it as forward-looking and relevant, stressing that reputation management must be grounded in ethics, credibility and accountability to achieve lasting impact in the digital age.
Earlier in their separate remarks, other speakers at the event, including the immediate-past Council Member representing the state, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Boniface Obiefuna, fnipr, and former Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Dennis Ekemezie, fnipr, emphasised the need for professionalism, mentorship and ethical consistency in public relations practice.
They described the NIPR AGM and Summit as part of the periodic interventions that strengthen capacity, deepen professional consciousness and reposition public relations practitioners as a strategic force in every society.
The high-profile event, which ended with a vote of thanks by the Head of Department of Mass Communication, UNIZIK, Prof. Allen Adum (represented by Dr. Okechukwu Onyenekwe), attracted both past and present leaders, fellows, elders, members and students of NIPR, as well as top government functionaries and communication experts.
Also in attendance were the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency (ANICTA), Mr Chukwuemeka
Fred Agbata, CFA; the MD/CEO, Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA),
Mr Odili Ujubuoñu; and the MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Dr. Chris Molokwu
Others include the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, represented by the State Chairperson National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Tochukwu Ifejika; National President of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), Prince Emeka Kalu, represented by the State Chairman, Mrs. Morinstone Enujioke; as well as the Public Relations Officers of various institutions and security agencies in the state, including the COOU, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service, among others.
Among other highlights, the official unveiling of the 2026 AGM theme and endorsing of the event formed the highpoint of the occasion.
More photos from the event:
