Two Practitioners Battle for Leadership of Lagos NIPR

Months after the national body of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), suspended the election that would have returned Mr. Joseph Okonmah, as the chairman of the Lagos council for a second term, a fresh election has been fixed for today.

According to sources, the election would be witnessed by the national President of NIPR, Dr. Oladele. Those contesting for the office of the chairman include; a former chairman of the chapter, Joseph Okonmah, the Chief Executive Officer of Upticomm Marketing Company Limited, Olusegun McMedal and the immediate past caretaker chairman, Rev Niyi Olushola.

Okonmah, who runs a PR firm - Jasek Communications Limited, has promised to consolidate on his fist term achievements if reelected. He told THISDAY that if voted, the chapter will experience increased relevance and robust engagement of corporate PR practitioners, among other plans.

He said some of these things have already been started in his first term but most of them would be completed to make the profession regains its lost glory. McMedal, who is believed to have the strength to tackle the former chairman, recently rolled out seven point agenda.

While speaking with the media on his plan, he said the seven point manifesto sets out his plan to move the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR forward, adding that he has the passion, inspiration and experience to reposition the institute.

“I have been playing active role in Committees since I joined the Chapter. Last year, I had the honour of heading the 26th AGM/ PR Week Planning Committee. The work of my group has been widely applauded for moving the Chapter forward by stakeholders. This was made possible largely by the generous donations and support from sponsors and partners. There is need to consolidate on the gains of that AGM and I am ready to lead the Chapter to vibrancy once again,” McMedal said.

While highlighting his goals, he stated that part of the things he plan to do is to evolve mechanics to reconcile members, develop initiatives to reposition the Chapter’s image and reputation, mobilise stakeholders to raise funds to buy property in a commercial area that will house the Chapter Secretariat

“Others are; to hire a relationship lead to constantly coordinate stakeholders’ affairs in order to foster active membership and grow revenue, to complete Face lift of the Secretariat and assemble a Faculty made up of reputable members drawn from relevant sectors of the economy for continuous capacity building of our members,” he said.

He however said that the journey may not a smooth one but appeal to the members to vote for him and support the executive committee afterwards.