The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has warned that digital disruption could threaten national peace and security during the 2027 general elections if public relations practitioners fail to address the growing challenge.
The President and Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council, Ike Neliaku gave the warning in a goodwill message delivered by the Chairman of the Committee on Chapter Support and Development, Ahmad Sajoh on Thursday October 8, 2026, the day-two of the 2026 Rivers Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt.
Neliaku urged public relations practitioners to intensify efforts to protect the country against the dangers of digital disruption, warning that its potential consequences could undermine national stability. He commended the Rivers State Chapter of the institute for its contributions to the development of the profession, noting that its commitment to advancing public relations practice had earned it the respect of the national leadership.
Meanwhile in his welcome address, the Chairman of NIPR Rivers State Chapter, Francis Asuk described the conference as an opportunity for reflection, innovation and collaboration among public relations practitioners and other stakeholders.
Asuk said the theme, “Repositioning Public Relations for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation in Rivers State,” was timely, considering the growing influence of digital platforms on public discourse and the engagement between governments, businesses, institutions and their audiences.
He urged practitioners to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, while upholding the core values of truth, ethics, credibility, professionalism and responsible communication.
The chapter chairman emphasised that public relations had evolved beyond information management to encompass trust-building, relationship management, institutional reputation and sustainable development.
Asuk therefore called on practitioners to explore ways public relations could contribute more effectively to good governance, investment promotion, social cohesion, environmental sustainability and economic development in Rivers State.
Similarly, chairman of the occasion, Casca Ogosu, described the event as unique, noting that it marked the first time the institute had dedicated an entire week to its activities.
Ogosu commended the Rivers State Chapter for nurturing young people into future public relations practitioners and urged the state government to strengthen its collaboration with the institute to improve public communication on government policies, programmes and activities. He also described the theme of the week as timely, given the unprecedented speed at which information spreads in the digital age.
In his goodwill message, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachuku, commended the chapter’s efforts and announced plans for future collaboration between the ministry and the institute. Wachuku also disclosed that the ministry had provided health workers to conduct free medical check-ups for participants during the conference.
The 2026 Rivers Public Relations Week, organised by the Rivers State Chapter of the NIPR, aims to advance professional practice and strengthen the role of strategic communication in sustainable development and digital transformation.
The second day of the conference featured two academic paper presentations and discussions on the role of public relations in promoting sustainable development and digital transformation.
