The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Plateau State Chapter, has elected Sonny Sunday Dung, mnipr, as its new Chairman for the 2026–2028 tenure, following its Peace Summit, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Jos.
The event, held at Korret Hamlet Hall, Miango Road, Jos, featured a Peace Summit themed “Peace, Security and Electioneering: Fostering a Culture of Peaceful Civic Engagement.”
The summit was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni.
Ramnap commended the Institute for promoting peace and responsible communication, urging public relations practitioners to leverage their expertise to tackle misinformation, improve online engagement and encourage youth and women’s participation.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Chris Kwaja, Senior Adviser for Africa at the International Organisation for Least Developed Countries, stressed the need for responsible communication, gender inclusion and media practices that discourage negative identity framing and promote peaceful coexistence, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Registrar and Secretary of the NIPR Governing Council, Chief Uzoma Onyebadue, fnipr, urged the Plateau Chapter to sustain its role in reputation management and responsible communication. He also highlighted ongoing membership reforms, including revised requirements for membership upgrades expected to take effect in 2027.
Representing the NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, Prof. Sarah Lwahas, mnipr, appreciated Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Institute’s Patron, for his support and encouraged members to participate in the World Public Relations Forum, which brings together practitioners from 126 countries.
The Emir of Wase’s representative, Alhaji Haroun Farouk, and Major Chukwuma, representing the General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armoured Division, also called for stronger peace advocacy and efforts to combat disinformation and inflammatory media content capable of inciting violence.
At the AGM, the outgoing Chairman, Thomas Bajeh, mnipr, presented his administration’s report for 2024–2026, highlighting increased membership and the investiture of Governor Mutfwang as the Institute’s Patron. Members also adopted the chapter’s audited financial report before the outgoing executive council was dissolved.
Other elected officials are Richard Nanpon Jonah, mnipr, Vice Chairman; Mabur Malau Sylvanus, anipr, Secretary; Rejoice Wise Jwan, Assistant Secretary; Anna Wudeama Paul-Gindiri, anipr, Treasurer; and Blessing Ponjul, anipr, Internal Auditor.
The Registrar administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives, formally ushering in the new leadership.
The new administration is expected to consolidate previous achievements, strengthen professional development and advance the role of public relations in promoting peace, security and sustainable development in Plateau State.
