Continue reforms trajectory, minister tasks Africa PROs new excos
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has extended his congratulations to the newly elected Executive Council of the African Public Relations Association.
This was as he asked the group’s new executive to continue in the trajectory of reforms in APRA stressing the importance of expanding.
In the election that took place during the 35th APRA Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting held from May 13 to 18, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Arik Karani from Kenya emerged as President.
Other members of the executive council include Dr Michele Mekeme from Cameroon as Vice President and Dr Omoniyi Ibietan from Nigeria as Secretary-General.
This was contained in a Saturday press release signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation
The minister noted the importance of the election for advancing public relations in Africa.
He, also, emphasized that the collective expertise and leadership of the newly elected Executive Council would be crucial in achieving APRA’s long-term goals.
The statement read, “Mohammed Idris, also a Fellow of APRA, acknowledged the significance of the election for the advancement of public relations across Africa, adding that while it is a pivotal moment for APRA, the collective expertise, and leadership of the newly elected Executive Council would be instrumental in attaining the long-term vision of the association.
“The new APRA Executive Council comprises Arik Karani from Kenya as President, Dr Michele Mekeme from Cameroon as Vice President, and Dr Omoniyi Ibietan from Nigeria as Secretary-General.’’
Idris urged the new Executive Council to “continue the trajectory of reforms in APRA,” stressing the importance of expanding the democratic space by encouraging greater participation of national public relations institutions across the continent.
“There is the need for inclusivity and collaboration to strengthen the public relations profession in Africa,” he added.
The minister also called on the Executive Council to work closely with the African Union Commission and the Council of Ministers to ensure that public relations remains central to policy formulation, program execution, and project implementation.
“Public relations should be at the heart of policy, programmes, and project implementation,” he stated.
He also extended his salutations to Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, the Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission, on his emergence as the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association.
“Dr Ibietan is a thoroughbred journalist, public relations expert, and author, who is expected to bring his enormous wealth of experience to bear on APRA positively,” Idris concluded.
