Ondo NIPR Sets March 2027 for Elective AGM, Urges Stronger Membership Mobilisation
The Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has resolved to hold its next elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 2027, subject to coordination with the Institute’s National Secretariat.
The resolution was reached at the chapter’s September 2026 monthly meeting held at the State Secretariat, Ondo State Ministry of Information Annex (Photolab), Alagbaka, Akure.
Members also agreed on the need to strengthen membership mobilisation, improve attendance at monthly meetings and promote greater unity and accountability within the chapter’s executive committee.
The Chapter Chairman, Mr Funmilayo Ikueduranni, disclosed that the current executive’s tenure had elapsed and that consultations were ongoing with the National Secretariat on arrangements for the next elective AGM.
Following deliberations, Dr Raphael Abimbola, a former Council Member of the Institute, proposed that the election should take place within the first quarter of 2027 to allow sufficient time for preparation.
A motion for the AGM to hold in March 2027 was subsequently moved by Hon. Collins Olagundoye, seconded and unanimously adopted by members.
The Chairman further disclosed that committees were being constituted to facilitate preparations for the AGM and electoral process.
The meeting also reviewed the chapter’s membership drive, with the Secretary, Mr Sunday Omosule, revealing that 37 new Professional Members (PCs) had joined the Ondo State Chapter since the current executive assumed office in 2023.
Commending the development, Ikueduranni urged members to intensify advocacy for the Institute within ministries, departments, agencies and commissions across the state.
Dr Abimbola, while responding to questions from prospective members at the meeting, explained the three recognised modes of membership of the Institute and encouraged eligible professionals to take advantage of the available pathways to join the NIPR.
The chapter also expressed its commitment to participating in the 2026 World Public Relations Forum scheduled for November 15 to 21 in Abuja.
According to the Chairman, the forum, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” would provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and engagement with public relations and communication professionals from different parts of the world.
He disclosed that the chapter had written to the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seeking government support and sponsorship for members interested in attending the international professional gathering.
Members were encouraged to participate in the forum and take advantage of the opportunities it would provide for professional development and exposure.
On the internal affairs of the chapter, the meeting discussed concerns over cohesion and effectiveness within the executive committee.
Dr Oluseto Olatuyi, on behalf of the executive, appealed for members’ understanding and support, acknowledging the challenges encountered since the administration assumed office.
He assured members that the executive would intensify efforts to meet their expectations and advance the interests of the chapter.
Dr Abimbola, however, urged the Chairman to work closely with members who were committed to delivering on their responsibilities, stressing that the priority should be tangible results, effectiveness and delivery rather than excuses.
The meeting consequently agreed on the need for greater cooperation, commitment and collective responsibility within the executive committee.
The chapter also considered a proposed programme, “Echoes of Ondo-NIPR,” which the Chairman said was designed to enhance the visibility and professional standing of the chapter.
Mr Akin Enikuomehin compared the proposed initiative with the “Personalised Profiles” programme of the Lagos State Chapter, expressing optimism that “Echoes of Ondo-NIPR” could become a valuable and sustainable initiative if properly planned and executed.
Members supported the programme and urged the executive to develop it into an impactful chapter initiative.
Meanwhile, the Chairman apologised to members over the prolonged interruption in the chapter’s regular monthly meetings.
The apology followed concerns raised by Dr Abimbola over the failure to sustain the meetings.
The apology was accepted, while the Chairman assured members that monthly meetings would henceforth be held regularly until the next AGM, except where circumstances beyond the chapter’s control made it impossible.
To improve participation, members proposed the adoption of a hybrid meeting format to enable those unable to attend physically to participate virtually.
The meeting also addressed concerns over low attendance, with Mr Olayoriju Ilesanmi urging the executive to adopt more direct mobilisation strategies, including personal reminders to members on meeting days.
The Secretary explained that members of the executive already make telephone calls and send private messages ahead of meetings, but agreed that additional measures were required to improve attendance.
Members were also reminded to pay outstanding state dues and remain up to date with their financial obligations to the chapter.
The meeting, which commenced at 3:30 p.m. following a stakeholders’ meeting, ended at 5:07 p.m.
The September meeting was attended by 17 members, including the Chapter Chairman, Mr Funmilayo Ikueduranni; Dr Raphael Abimbola; Mr Akin Enikuomehin; Mr Olayoriju Ilesanmi; Hon. Collins Olagundoye; Mr Augustine Adeoye; Mr Ayo Falana; Mrs Blessing Lawrence; Dr Oluseto Olatuyi; Mrs Folashade Oladeinde; Mr Paul Adeagbo; Mr Aiyenitaju Yomi-Martins; Mr Afolabi Adekola; Mr Debbie Funmilayo; Mr Adeosun Adeyinka; Ms Ese Etohwo; and the Chapter Secretary, Mr Sunday Omosule.
