How organisations move beyond simply making news to deliberately shaping the narratives that define their reputation will take centre stage as the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) holds its 2026 Annual General Meeting and 12th Chief O. W. Udoh Memorial Lecture.
The two-day programme, scheduled for September 17 and 18 in Uyo, will bring together public relations practitioners, communication experts, government officials, corporate leaders, academics and students under the theme, “From News to Narrative: Strategic PR Techniques for Reputation and Influence.” The organisers said the gathering would provide an opportunity to examine emerging challenges and opportunities in strategic communication.
The event will also revive professional and social interaction among members, beginning with a novelty football match between the NIPR Students Association (NIPRESA) chapters of Akwa Ibom State University and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. The match is scheduled for 4pm on Thursday, September 17, at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) field, Uyo.
Beyond the sporting encounter, Friday’s programme will feature the chapter’s AGM at 10am, where members are expected to review activities of the past year and chart a fresh course for the professional body. The AGM will be followed by the memorial lecture at 2pm at Image House, Information Drive, Uyo.
The memorial lecture, which honours Chief O. W. Udoh, the pioneer chairman of NIPR in Akwa Ibom State, will feature Dr Uduot Iwok, Head of the Department of Public Relations, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, University of Uyo, as guest lecturer. The organisers said the lecture would provide an avenue for participants to gain insights that can strengthen their professional practice and influence.
In a statement signed by the chapter chairman, Elder Manasseh Umoette, PhD, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Effanga Usen, the chapter invited members, stakeholders, intending members and the general public to participate in the programme, stressing that the event would combine learning, networking and professional recognition, with certificates to be issued to participants as part of efforts to support capacity building and career progression.
