By Correspondent in Abuja.
In a bold step to elevate professional standards and celebrate excellence in communication management, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has announced the introduction of its annual Public Relations, Reputation, Ideas, Concepts and Excellence (PRICE) Awards and Prizes.
Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan,
Vice Chairman, National Planning Committee,NIPR Annual PRICE Awards and Prizes 2025, in a statement signed in Abuja, said
the maiden edition of the ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
According to him,the PRICE Awards will serve as NIPR’s flagship platform for recognizing and celebrating exceptional campaigns, innovative ideas, and impactful contributions that shape the public relations landscape in Nigeria.
Dr.Ibietan added that the PRICE Awards will spotlight individuals, institutions, and campaigns that demonstrate strategic excellence, creativity, and innovation in public relations.
He said it will also honour emerging talents,including students and young professionals, with plaques and cash prizes, highlighting the value NIPR places on nurturing the next generation of communicators.
He recalled that the development of the PRICE Awards reached its peak in September 2025, when Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the NIPR Council, inaugurated a 12-member Organising Committee to oversee the maiden edition.
“The committee’s formation followed the adoption of a technical report that laid the foundation for a credible and enduring award system,”he said.
While inaugurating the committee, Dr. Neliaku charged its members, many of whom are internationally acclaimed professionals, to deliver a world-class awards system befitting Nigeria’s growing influence in global public relations.
“We are challenging you to give Nigeria her own world-class public relations awards system. “Engage stakeholders, sponsors, and partners to organize a ceremony that embodies prestige, class, and colour,” Neliaku urged.
Dr. Neliaku expressed optimism that the awards would motivate professionals and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global PR ecosystem.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, a Fellow of the Institute and Managing Director/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, assured that the team would deliver an award ceremony that reflects international best standards.
“For years, Nigerian PR professionals have won global honours abroad. It is time for our own prophets to be celebrated at home,” Opayemi stated, echoing the NIPR President’s vision.
The committee includes respected practitioners and scholars:
Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan (Vice Chairman), Dr. Mary Ikoku, Edemekong Uyoh, Adesola Oyawoye, Odoh Diego Okenyodo, Damilola Olujide, Beatrice Okpara, Prince M.G. Duku, Chief Patrick Ukah, Mrs. Chidinma Awak (Secretary), and Kater Amos Foga (Assistant Secretary).
The organizers said PRICE Awards aim to institutionalize a credible benchmark for measuring excellence in public relations practice, enhancing the profession’s visibility and reputation within Nigeria and beyond.
By celebrating creativity and strategy, the initiative is expected to further cement NIPR’s leadership in communication management and regulation, according to them.
Established in 1963 and chartered in 1990 by Decree No. 16 (now CAP N114 LFN 2004), the NIPR is the first national public relations organization in the world to be chartered. It is empowered to regulate the profession, set knowledge standards, and license practitioners.
The Institute operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and remains one of Nigeria’s most visible professional bodies through initiatives such as the National Spokespersons Summit and the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
In 2023, NIPR achieved a major milestone when the Federal Government officially recognized public relations as a professional management cadre across all government sectors.
In a further boost to its global standing, NIPR has secured the hosting rights for both the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026 and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, scheduled to hold concurrently in Abuja from November 15–21, 2026.
With the launch of the PRICE Awards, the Institute reinforces its mission to position Nigeria as a beacon of professional excellence in public relations across Africa and the world.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
