The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has congratulated the recently-elected executive council of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) following their election at the 35th APRA Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from May 13-18, 2024.
Idris, a Fellow of APRA, recognised the election’s importance for advancing public relations throughout Africa. He emphasised that this moment is crucial for APRA and the collective expertise and leadership of the newly-elected executive council will play a key role in achieving the association’s long-term vision.
The new APRA executive council includes Kenyan Arik Karani as president, Cameroonian Dr. Michele Mekeme as vice-president and Nigerian Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan as secretary-general.
Idris encouraged the new executive council to “continue the path of reforms in APRA,” underlining the significance of broadening the democratic space by promoting increased involvement of national public relations organisations across the continent.
He stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration to enhance the public relations profession in Africa.
In a statement from the minister’s special assistant on media, Rabiu Ibrahim the Minister of Information and National Orientation also urged the executive council to collaborate closely with the African Union Commission and the Council of Ministers to ensure that public relations remain fundamental to policy development, program implementation and project execution.
“Public relations should be central to policy, programmes and project implementation,” he emphasised.
He also conveyed his congratulations to the head of media relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan on his appointment as the secretary-general of APRA.
“Dr. Ibietan is a seasoned journalist, public relations expert, and author, bringing a wealth of experience to positively impact APRA,” Idris remarked.
