The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter has organised a roadshow in Port Harcourt to create awareness and promote the forthcoming Rivers Public Relations Week 2026 scheduled to hold from October 7th to 9th, 2026, with activities designed to highlight the role of public relations in promoting development and positive narratives about Rivers State.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the roadshow, the Chairman of NIPR Rivers State Chapter, Francis Asuk, said the initiative was aimed at showcasing the importance of responsible communication and public relations to the growth and development of the state.
Asuk described Rivers State as a major centre of Nigeria’s development, particularly in the areas of oil and gas, technology and politics, stressing the need for strategic communication that promotes development.
“As you understand, communication is very important, you can miscommunicate and you can communicate responsibly. For us, Rivers State is the hotbed of the development of this nation, oil and gas, technology, even politically. And so we want to communicate properly, communicate appropriately, communicate intentionally in a way that we bring development”.
The NIPR chairman also said the roadshow was part of efforts to create awareness for the World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 15th to 21st, 2026. He disclosed that public relations practitioners from at least 126 countries are expected to participate in the international forum, which is themed “Responsible Communication, the Voice of the World.”
“When we finish that conversation in Port Harcourt, the conversation will move to Abuja where 126 countries are gathering in Abuja for the world public relations forum. This is the second time it is coming to Africa, the President of NIPR and the president of the world public relations forum welcome you all to Abuja.
“It is going to be the biggest, it is going to be the boldest, it’s going to be the brightest. And so we welcome all to discuss, and to put communication, responsible communication in front of the world”.
Asuk further called on companies, government agencies and other organisations operating in Rivers State to ensure that persons responsible for their public relations and communication activities are duly registered members of the NIPR. According to him, engaging unregistered persons to practise public relations is contrary to the law governing the profession.
“If you are not a registered PR practitioner, you’re operating as a quack. All organisations should ensure that those who stand in the place of communication on their behalf are registered members of the NIPR. The law is against all those who are not registered and anyone who is caught practising PR without being registered may be arrested or even imprisoned. It is an offence that is punishable to that extent”.
The roadshow, which attracted members and stakeholders in the Public Relations profession, commenced at the Garrison Flyover along Aba Road in Port Harcourt and terminated at the NIPR Secretariat on Olumeni Street, Old GRA.
The event formed part of activities to build awareness ahead of the Rivers Public Relations Week, the World Public Relations Forum, and further promote responsible communication as a tool for development and positive engagement.
