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PR FEST 2024: NIPR To Celebrate Creativity, Culture, And Communication

The maiden edition of PR Fest, a weeklong celebration of Public Relations, creativity, and culture, concluded on a high note with a series of inspiring and diverse activities, bringing together students, professionals, and cultural advocates.  Organized to showcase the power of strategic communication in promoting our culture and heritage, this year's PR Fest fully embodied its theme: _"Communication and Culture – Reawakening Our Unique Heritage."_In a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Chapter, Samuel O. Adeyemi, noted that the festival kicked off with the PR Pitch Competition, a fierce contest between students from Lagos State University (LASU) and Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech). Both teams presented impressive strategies and creative PR plans on how to position Lagos State as a top tourist destination using its cultural heritage. In the end, LASU emerged victorious with a standout pitch that captivated the judges and highlighted the importance of cultural storytelling in modern communication.Following the competition, the students had the unique opportunity to be mentored by experienced and seasoned PR professionals, further honing their skills and gaining valuable insights into the industry.On Friday, members enjoyed a laid-back Hangout Session, fostering networking and camaraderie among the PR community. This was followed by a lively Sports Fest, where participants competed in various sporting events, bringing out the spirit of teamwork and friendly competition; an essential aspect of effective communication.As part of the cultural immersion, participants embarked on a fascinating Tour of Lekki Art Market, an iconic hub of creativity and artistic expression. The vibrant and colourful artworks on display provided inspiration for PR professionals, demonstrating how art and culture can intersect with communication strategies to tell compelling stories.The journey continued with an unforgettable Tour of Badagry, where participants delved deep into Nigeria's rich history. This trip was not just a tour but an emotional exploration of the past. We traced the footsteps of those who came before us, visiting the first storey building, where the first Yoruba Bible is preserved. Members also explored the Point of No Return, where many enslaved Africans began their tragic journey across the Atlantic.  This experience left an indelible mark on all who attended, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preserving our history and cultural heritage for future generations.The weeklong celebration culminated in the highly anticipated Communication Lecture, an intellectual discussion on the critical role of communication in shaping cultural narratives. We were honoured to host Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Art, and Culture (represented by Mr. Okwuokenyen Emmanuel Benson, Deputy Director of Tourism in the Ministry); the founders of Goge Africa, Isaac and Nneka Moses; and the President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Dr. Victor Okhai.In her remarks at the grand finale, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NIPR, emphasized that: “Our role as communicators is more critical than ever in shaping narratives, preserving legacies, and promoting values that define us as a people. As the Lagos Chapter of NIPR, we are committed to fostering a platform for meaningful engagement, learning, and elevating the practice of public relations in ways that are impactful to society. As we embark on today’s engaging session, I encourage each of us to contribute thoughtfully and to take away insights that will not only enhance our profession but also inspire us to be true custodians of culture and champions of meaningful communication.”Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka highlighted the vital role that public relations and strategic communication play in promoting Nigeria's tourism and cultural sectors. She underscored ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and called for more collaboration between communication professionals and the government to properly project the tourism potential of Lagos.Nneka Moses of Goge Africa, pioneers in cultural tourism and media, shared their inspiring journey in using media to preserve and promote African culture and tourism. Their contributions to African storytelling and cultural exchange have left a lasting impact on the media landscape.Dr. Victor Okhai delivered an insightful presentation on "The Role of Communication in Reawakening Our Unique Cultural Heritage within the Context of Nollywood and Public Relations." Dr. Okhai explored how communication, particularly through Nollywood and PR, can reawaken Nigeria’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the power of collaboration and storytelling as essential tools for cultural preservation.www.twitter.com/spyetv