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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Reputation management and its growing importance in an increasingly digital and fast-paced communication environment are set to dominate discussions at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Summit of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, coming up in March.
This was disclosed during a special ceremony held at the New Government House (Light House) in Awka at the weekend, where “Managing Reputation Capital in the Digital Age: Influence, Integrity and Impact” was officially unveiled as the theme of the 2026 NIPR State AGM and Summit slated for March 12 and 13.
The event, which attracted an array of stakeholders from government, academia, the media, corporate organisations and professional bodies, also officially set the tone for what is expected to be a high-level and intellectually engaging annual gathering of public relations practitioners in the state.
Unveiling the theme, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, dissected the place of reputation in every society and organisation, while also beaming light on Anambra State’s reputation in the midst of diverse social, political and economic activities, as well as the impacts such activities and narratives have on governance, investment and public trust.
He stressed that effective reputation management remains critical to correcting false narratives, projecting truth and sustaining confidence in public institutions.
The Commissioner described the theme as timely and thought-provoking, further emphasising that in the digital age where information travels faster than verification, public relations professionals must be deliberate, ethical and strategic in managing influence, integrity and impact.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Local Organising Committee Chairman for the 2026 AGM, Dr Nelson Obinna Omenugha, said the official unveiling marked a defining moment for the Anambra NIPR Chapter as it prepares to host a summit designed to interrogate one of the most critical issues of modern communication practice.
Dr Omenugha, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, expressed appreciation to the members, state leadership of NIPR, as well as the guests and strategic partners, for their solidarity, support and encouragement.
According to Dr Omenugha, the theme unveiling was far more than a ceremonial exercise, but a declaration of readiness by the Institute to interrogate how reputation is shaped, challenged, protected and leveraged in an era defined by digital disruption, speed and perception warfare.
He noted that reputation has become both powerful and fragile, explaining that a single digital post could elevate a brand or erode decades of credibility, while influence is no longer driven solely by institutional authority but by perception, engagement and ethical conduct.
Describing public relations professionals as custodians of trust, defenders of truth and architects of responsible influence, he further stressed that integrity remains non-negotiable, adding that while technology may amplify voices, it is also character that sustains credibility.
Providing details of the upcoming event, Dr Omenugha disclosed that the keynote address at the summit would be delivered by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, while Prince Chukwudi Oli (Oba Ezeafia) would serve as Chairman of the Day.
In her opening remarks at the event, the Anambra State Chapter Chairperson of NIPR, Prof Angela Nwammuo, fnipr, described the unveiling as apt and felicitous, noting that the theme also captures the realities confronting public relations practice in today’s digital age.
Commending the Omenugha-led Local Organising Committee, Prof Nwammuo praised their vision, dedication and organisational skills, stating that the chapter is poised to deliver an AGM and Summit that would be exceptionally impactful, engaging and professionally rewarding.
According to her, the Institute remains committed to raising professional standards, strengthening ethical practice and positioning NIPR as a key stakeholder in national development. While reiterating her call and extending a hand of membership to interested persons in the state to join the Institute, she also expressed confidence that the 2026 AGM would reinforce Anambra State’s leading role and position in public relations discourse.
In a goodwill message, former Commissioner for Information in the state and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, lauded the quality of the event and the growing relevance of public relations in governance and society at large.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Kate Omenugha, reaffirmed her commitment to NIPR, attributing her success and professionalism to the principles, strategies and networks she built as a member of the Institute.
Urging members to learn to build bridges, Prof Omenugha, a Fellow and the only current Council Member of NIPR from the South-East, stressed the importance of collaboration, ethical practice and continuous learning.
Speaking further, she expressed concern over the menace of quackery among public relations practitioners, describing it as a major challenge confronting the profession. She also explained that NIPR provides structured membership cadres for interested practitioners to acquire the right training, ethics and professional guidance.
While noting that any Commissioner for Information or Public Relations Officer who does not belong to NIPR is a quack, she revealed that the Institute, backed by law, has the authority to prosecute such individuals.
Sharing her thoughts on the unveiled theme, Prof Omenugha described it as forward-looking and relevant, stressing that reputation management must be grounded in ethics, credibility and accountability to achieve lasting impact in the digital age.
