In a promising development for Media and Advocacy in Kwara State, the U.S. Embassy and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Ilorin chapter, convened at a lunch meeting at The Sidney Lounge, GRA, Ilorin, yesterday.
The delegates from the NIPR, Ilorin were led by Prof. Saudat Sallah Abdulbaqi while Public Diplomacy Officer, Katrina Lage Ramos led the U.S. Embassy delegates.
The meeting’s objective was to delve into the opportunities and challenges within Kwara State’s Media, Communication and Advocacy landscape.
The NIPR discussed encompassing and explorable potentials of collaboration with various U.S. government programs.
They highlighted to the delegates, the media’s fantastic roles in promoting fair governance, justice, and the rule of law in Kwara State.
Meanwhile, some of the members recounted the Chief of Army Staff’s testimony regarding the state’s peaceful security environment which underscores the importance of such discussions. Media practitioners in Kwara State also highlighted the conducive environment for Public Relations (PR) activities, with ample training opportunities provided by the NIPR.
The support from the U.S. embassy is expected to further enhance these efforts, potentially facilitating more training programs and the establishment of resource centres like e-libraries and other resourceful materials.
Moreover, members of the NIPR emphasised that Traditional rulers in Kwara State remain potential and powerful channels in communicating with people at the grassroot, thereby giving the people a sense of belonging and fostering dialogue.
As Kwara State continues to evolve in its media landscape, partnerships like these are crucial for fostering innovation, professionalism, and effective communication strategies. Thus, the collaboration between NIPR and the U.S. embassy will open avenues for networking and knowledge exchange among PR practitioners across Nigeria setting the stage for future Summits and initiatives aimed at enhancing the image-making capacity of professionals at both national and sub-national levels.
The members strongly hope that another upcoming meeting will signify a step forward in harnessing collective expertise to address the evolving needs of Media and Advocacy in the State.
