ABEOKUTA – Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, has reaffirmed the critical role of public relations in governance and reputation management, pledging the unwavering support of the Ogun State Government for the programmes and initiatives of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter.
Mr. Saka gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of Ogun NIPR led by the Chapter Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, following his recent appointment as the 21st Head of Service of Ogun State.
Describing public relations professionals as strategic partners in shaping public perception and strengthening government-citizen engagement, the Head of Service commended the Ogun NIPR Chapter for its professionalism, consistency and visible contributions to effective communication in the state.
He praised the leadership of Mrs. Boye, noting that the competence and dedication demonstrated by members of the Institute reflect the high standards expected of public relations practitioners.
He urged them to sustain their efforts in projecting the achievements of the Ogun State Government, particularly under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA Agenda.
Mr. Saka highlighted several people-centred initiatives of the present administration, including the extension of workers’ palliatives, enhanced security within the State Secretariat and the institutionalisation of the bi-monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
He stressed that these milestones deserve wider public awareness and called on public relations professionals to continue promoting government programmes responsibly and strategically.
The Head of Service also emphasised the importance of ethics and professionalism in both journalism and public relations, cautioning practitioners against conduct capable of diminishing the image of their professions.
He urged media and communication professionals to uphold decorum, civility and ethical standards in their public engagements.
Earlier, Mrs. Boye congratulated Mr. Saka on his appointment and briefed him on the statutory role of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations as the regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria.
She informed the Head of Service that Nigeria would host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026, scheduled for 15–21 November, 2026 in Abuja, with the theme, “Responsive Communication: The Voice of the World.” According to her, the global event will attract leading public relations professionals, academics, corporate executives, policymakers and communication experts from around the world.
Mrs. Boye solicited the support of the Ogun State Government towards awareness campaigns and mobilisation activities ahead of the forum, including roadshows and the participation of Information and Public Relations Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
She also sought government partnership for the Chapter’s flagship cultural and networking event, Owanbe Season 2, themed “Ariya Galore,” slated for 6th November 2026. She explained that the event would celebrate Ogun State’s rich cultural heritage through the promotion of locally produced Adire* fabrics, bringing together professionals from across the state’s three senatorial districts for networking, relaxation and cultural appreciation.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Oladapo Ogunfowora; the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration, Mr. Adeyemi Adejumo and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, who was represented by the Director of Information, Production Services, Mrs. Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf.
