* 2027 elections: Gov Abiodun, Adejobi Urge NIPR members to champion Peaceful 2027 Elections, National Unity
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, have called on members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to deploy their professional expertise towards promoting national unity, responsible political communication and peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
They made the disclosure at the second edition of Owanbe Nite, tagged “Ariya Galore: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness,” organised by the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR on Friday at the Kayode Egbetokun Event Centre, Abeokuta, the state capital.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by the Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, commended the Ogun NIPR Chapter, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, for sustaining the initiative, which he described as a platform for promoting cultural heritage, professional interaction, networking and peaceful coexistence.
He said the theme of the event underscored the importance of unity and mutual understanding in building a stronger society, noting that cultural heritage remained a powerful instrument for promoting social cohesion and strengthening collective identity.
The governor noted that public relations practitioners had strategic responsibilities beyond managing information and institutional communication, stressing that they were also instrumental in building public trust, promoting mutual understanding and enhancing institutional credibility.
He said the initiative aligned with his administration’s ISEYA development agenda, which emphasised inclusive development, stakeholder engagement and collaboration among government, professional institutions and other stakeholders.
Abiodun urged NIPR members to deploy their professional expertise ahead of the 2027 general elections by promoting responsible political communication, discouraging hate speech and curbing misinformation.
According to him, “Our cultural heritage remains a powerful instrument for fostering social cohesion, promoting our collective identity and strengthening the bonds that unite us as a people.”
“As we approach the forthcoming general elections, I urge NIPR to deploy its professional expertise in promoting responsible political communication, curbing misinformation and discouraging hate speech,” he said.
He also encouraged public relations practitioners serving in the Ogun State Civil and Public Service to uphold ethical standards, improve institutional performance and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The governor further urged the institute to use the forthcoming Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to hold in Abuja, to showcase Nigeria’s contributions to the global profession and promote ethical communication and international partnerships.
Speaking in an interview, former Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, said his recognition with a Merit Award by the Ogun NIPR Chapter was an appreciation of his longstanding contributions and commitment to the professional body.
Adejobi explained that he began his professional public relations career with the Ogun State Chapter and had maintained his membership despite working in other parts of the country.
He added that he had consistently made himself available whenever the chapter required his professional services, describing the recognition as an encouragement to contribute more to its growth.
He said, “I started my professional career in public relations here in Ogun State, with the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Even when I was in Abuja, I continued to belong to the Ogun State Chapter. I did not change my chapter.”
On the forthcoming 2027 general elections, Adejobi urged the NIPR to intensify public enlightenment and advocacy campaigns against electoral violence, political thuggery, vandalism and destruction of electoral materials.
According to him, “The NIPR has a significant role to play in ensuring the sustenance of our democracy. We must embark on campaigns against political thuggery, hooliganism, vandalism, destruction of electoral materials and other forms of electoral violence.”
He called on the professional body to organise seminars, public forums and stakeholder engagements to educate political leaders, supporters and other participants in the electoral process on the need for peaceful elections.
Adejobi disclosed that the institute had lined up several activities for the World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, saying the gathering would provide an opportunity to address critical national issues, including democracy, economic growth and national unity.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun NIPR, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, described Owanbe Nite as an avenue to celebrate cultural identity, friendship, professional networking and the spirit of togetherness.
She explained that the event would provide an opportunity for the three senatorial districts of Ogun State — Ogun West, Ogun Central and Ogun East — to showcase their cultural heritage through traditional attire, music, dance and indigenous cuisine.
Boye said the theme, “Ariya Galore: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness,” reflected the importance of appreciating cultural differences while recognising the common heritage and shared destiny of the people.
She said, “We celebrate our differences, not as barriers, but as the beautiful threads that weave us into one people.”
The NIPR chairman stressed that beyond the entertainment and festivities, the gathering was designed to strengthen relationships, promote understanding and encourage collective efforts towards building a peaceful and prosperous society.
Boye also emphasised the responsibility of public relations practitioners in strengthening democracy, particularly as the country approaches another election season.
She urged members to promote issue-based campaigns, counter misinformation and disinformation, encourage tolerance and foster constructive engagement among political actors and citizens.
“Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed, and when communication builds bridges rather than deepens divisions,” she stated.
The chairman further disclosed that the second edition of Owanbe Nite was particularly significant to the current executives because it marked the final event of their four-year tenure.
She expressed appreciation to members, past chairmen, stakeholders, partners and committee members for their support throughout the administration’s tenure.
Boye recalled that the chapter had organised several initiatives, including cinema hangouts, professional development workshops, a coastal retreat and cultural engagements, all aimed at building a more vibrant and united professional community.
She said, “Whatever milestones we have recorded, we achieved together, and I remain deeply grateful for the privilege of serving.”
Some of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Ogun NIPR Chronicle of Activities covering the past four years, ‘The Image Maker’ magazine, which captures the journey, milestones, initiatives, achievements and the memories the Institute has created together as a Chapter.
Also, recognition of members who have contributed to the growth, vibrancy and success of the Chapter with Seven categories of Awards, which includes the the Ogun NIPR Behind-the-Scenes Award; the Ogun NIPR Most Performing Committee Award; the Ogun NIPR Business Meeting Punctuality Champion Award; the Ogun NIPR Cheerleader Award; the Ogun NIPR Chapter Builder’s Award; Best-Dressed Male and Best-Dressed Female.
The event also featured cultural displays and entertainment celebrating the rich traditions and diversity of Ogun State.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku; represented by Mr Segun Mcmedal, Chairman of the Occasion, Mr Israel Jaiye Opayemi; Father of the Night, The Provost of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Dr Joseph Bankole Filani; Special Guest of Honour, Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun; Prominent government officials; Traditional rulers; Captains of Industry; Communication Professionals; and Business leaders.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, and the Towulade of Akinale Kingdom, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, Otileta I; and and Notable personalities from within and outside Ogun State.
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