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By Our Correspondent

The Chairman of the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Godfrey Osakwe, has called on governments, public institutions, private organisations and other stakeholders to recognise and embrace strategic public relations as a critical management function capable of strengthening democracy, inspiring public confidence and driving sustainable development.

Osakwe made the call on Thursday in Asaba while delivering his welcome address at the special July Monthly General Meeting of the institute organised to commemorate the 2026 World Public Relations Day.

Speaking on this year’s global theme, “The Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations,” the NIPR chairman said the communication profession has become more indispensable than ever in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and rapid digital transformation.

According to him, while technology has transformed the speed and reach of communication, it cannot replace the human values that underpin effective public relations.

“Technology may process information, but only human beings can inspire trust. Artificial intelligence may generate content, but it cannot replace conscience. Algorithms may predict behaviour, but they cannot substitute wisdom, empathy, integrity and ethical judgment,” he said.

Osakwe noted that the future of the profession lies in what he described as the Human Operating System (Human OS), stressing that strategic public relations would continue to thrive because it is fundamentally about understanding people, building relationships, resolving conflicts, managing reputations and earning public trust.

He described public relations practitioners as builders of trust, custodians of reputation, architects of dialogue and bridges between institutions and the people they serve.

The NIPR chairman warned that the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, polarisation and declining public trust have made ethical and strategic communication more important than ever.

He therefore urged governments at all levels, development partners, the media, civil society organisations and the business community to integrate strategic public relations into leadership and governance.

According to him, organisations that communicate transparently, engage stakeholders sincerely and lead with integrity are better positioned to inspire confidence, foster peace, strengthen democratic institutions, attract investment and achieve sustainable growth.

Osakwe also highlighted Nigeria’s contribution to the global public relations profession, noting that World Public Relations Day was conceived by Nigerian communication strategist, Ayeni Adekunle, and has since grown into a worldwide movement celebrating the transformative role of strategic communication.

He encouraged members of the institute to remain committed to professionalism, ethical practice, continuous learning and innovation, saying the celebration should serve as a renewal of the profession’s commitment to excellence and service to humanity.

The NIPR chairman welcomed the guest speaker, Dr. Emmanuel Akpoveta of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, expressing confidence that his presentation would enrich participants’ understanding of emerging opportunities and responsibilities in strategic communication.

He urged participants to embrace the opportunities presented by the “Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations” with confidence, courage and an unwavering commitment to ethical excellence.