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EFFURUN, Nigeria – The Principal and Chief Executive of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to professionalism, strategic communication, and human capital development, expressing readiness to sustain collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter.

Dr. Onoji gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, led by its Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, MNIPR, during a courtesy visit to his office in Effurun.

The PTI Chief Executive commended the NIPR for its contributions to the growth of public relations practice in Nigeria. He acknowledged the critical role of effective communication in institutional development and stressed the need for PR professionals to continually update their skills in line with global best practices.

Dr. Onoji also praised PTI staff responsible for communication and public relations for their dedication and professionalism in projecting the institute’s image and achievements.

“Strategic communication remains an important tool for fostering stakeholder engagement, building public confidence, and supporting the attainment of institutional goals,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Enebeli, who represented the chapter’s chairman, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, FNIPR, thanked PTI management for its continued support. He enlightened the management on NIPR’s statutory role as the professional body established to regulate public relations practice in Nigeria.

Enebeli explained that NIPR was established in 1963 and subsequently strengthened by legislation enacted by the National Assembly, empowering the institute to regulate, certify, and monitor PR practitioners in both public and private organisations. He noted that individuals occupying PR and information management positions in government and private establishments are required by law to be professionally certified by the institute.

He further highlighted NIPR’s certification and professional development programmes, including a Masterclass initiative designed to help practitioners from diverse academic backgrounds acquire the necessary competencies.

Enebeli encouraged PTI staff in communication roles to take advantage of these training opportunities and certification programmes. He also informed the Principal about the forthcoming 2026 Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2026, with the first day dedicated to training and certification and the second to the AGM and lecture.

The NIPR Secretary also disclosed that Nigeria would host the World Public Relations Forum later in the year, bringing together PR professionals and industry leaders from more than 26 countries. He appealed to PTI management to encourage staff participation in both the chapter’s programmes and the international forum.

The visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to promoting professionalism, strategic communication, and capacity development. The PTI management team at the meeting included the Registrar, Mr. Isaac Fregene, and Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Suleiman Zailani. NIPR was represented by Barr. Larry Mogbeyiteren and Mrs. Francisca Okoro.