The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has elected Mohammed Abdullahi as its new chairman.

Mr Abdullahi and eight other executive members emerged through affirmation shortly after the chapter’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and the presentation of its financial report on Saturday in Kaduna.

Other elected executives are Bassey Okon, vice chairman, Adeleke Sa’eed, secretary and Zakari Jamilu Muhammad, assistant secretary.

Others are Latifah Isma’il, public relations officer; Mercy Eyum, financial secretary and Nancy Awuni Audu, treasurer.

The remaining executives are Asma’u Isiyaku Gwamna, welfare executive and Mohammed Shetima, auditor.

Abdul-Aziz Abdullahi was also nominated and elected as an ex-officio member in accordance with the institute’s constitutional provisions.

The election was conducted under the supervision of the electoral committee chaired by Mohammed Al-Nafati.

The new executives were subsequently sworn in by the registrar and chief executive officer of NIPR, Uzoma Onyegbadue.

Speaking after his emergence, Mr Abdullahi expressed gratitude to the NIPR leadership and members of the Kaduna chapter for the confidence reposed in the new executive.

He said the new administration accepted the mandate with humility and understood leadership as a responsibility requiring integrity, accountability and innovation.

Mr Abdullahi identified member welfare and professional development, institutional strength, and visibility and partnerships as the administration’s three key priorities.

He promised regular training workshops and networking opportunities to promote members’ professional growth and strengthen their capacity.

The chairman also emphasised financial discipline, urging members to pay their local and national dues to strengthen the chapter’s financial independence.

According to him, improved internally generated revenue will enable the chapter to maintain its office and provide better services without excessive reliance on external funding.

Mr Abdullahi pledged to position the Kaduna chapter as a leading voice on public relations and professional issues within the state.

He called for the support and cooperation of senior members, fellows, council members, and other professionals to enable the new executive to succeed.

The chairman commended the immediate past chairman, Haroun Malami, for his guidance, leadership, and contributions to the development of the chapter.

He pledged that the new executive would build on the achievements of the outgoing administration and take the chapter to greater heights.

In his remarks, Emmanuel Dandaura, NIPR vice president and council member, urged the new executives to uphold integrity in all their activities.

Mr Dandaura, who represented the NIPR president, Ike Neliaku, at the election, stressed the importance of following due process even when positions were uncontested.

He said the absence of opposition should not undermine the integrity of the electoral process, adding that proper procedures must always be followed.

“Integrity is doing the right thing whether somebody is watching you or not,” Mr Dandaura said.

He reminded the new executives that their emergence through affirmation was a solemn responsibility, adding that members had entrusted them with expectations.

Mr Dandaura urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving diligently and avoiding actions that could disappoint members.

Earlier, Mr Malami, the immediate past chairman, said his administration’s tenure was defined by increased visibility and strengthened professional credibility.

He added that the chapter also recorded improved institutional infrastructure and established a stronger foundation for future growth and leadership.

Mr Malami said the outgoing executive was handing over a chapter that was more prominent, professionally respected, and better equipped to serve its members.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership would consolidate the achievements recorded and contribute meaningfully to the growth of public relations.

(NAN)