The signing ceremony, held recently in Abuja, featured NIPR National President Dr. Ike Neliaku, who represented the Institute, while ARCON’s Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, signed on behalf of the Council, and NIMN President Idorenyin Enang represented NIMN. The event was attended by prominent figures, including the President of the African Public Relations Association, Arik Karani, and Global Alliance President, Justin Green, along with other NIPR Council Members and key industry stakeholders, highlighting the significance of this collaborative initiative.
Following the MoU signing, Neliaku addressed the media, emphasizing that the collaboration was made in the industry's best interest and would have a positive impact on all stakeholders involved.
He pointed out that the process for associate members of NIPR to apply for membership in ARCON or NIMN has been streamlined, eliminating the need for a lengthy application process.
Neliaku stated, “You’ll only attend what we call a special programme based on four modules to know the rudiments. If it is an ARCON member who wants to join NIPR, you only do the basics to learn more about PR and prepare enough to practice it. So, qualification for one is qualification for the other two and vice versa.
“This is the first time that the three regulatory agencies charged with the responsibility of ensuring we facilitate effective and sustainable growth in this industry are forming a tripartite collaboration to give significance to the mandate given to us.
“This is how it is supposed to be. We must not exist in our individual domain. It is time to come together. We will effectively regulate our industry. Today, you can say we are giving birth to integrated marketing communications in society.”
Fadolapo emphasized the importance of collaboration in alleviating the burdens of excessive regulation on professional bodies and their members.
The head of ARCON noted that extensive discussions and consultations were conducted among key industry stakeholders prior to reaching this agreement.
He expressed gratitude to the NIMN president for participating in this significant event, highlighting the value of his presence.
“Before we arrived at this MoU signing, we had a series of discussions among ourselves, including the NIPR. We looked at areas of interest. We believe strongly that this collaboration will strengthen the regulatory framework of NIPR, ARCON and NIMN.”
The NIMN president also remarked on the establishment of professionalism within the industry, asserting that the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations would positively impact the ecosystem, particularly in communication, marketing, and public relations.
Justin Green, President of Global Alliance, commended the three organizations for their pioneering efforts in African communications and marketing.
He remarked, “The world’s eyes are on Nigeria today. It is great that the trio of NIPR, ARCON and NIMN are all united in the long-standing history of professionalism that Nigeria has been known for.
“Not only are you leading in the unity of your organisations in Nigeria, but you are also throwing down a mandate to the rest of Africa and the world. I am absolutely delighted to wish you the very best. I can also tell you that we are all here to support you.”