by Kunle Sodipo
The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has intensified efforts to mobilise institutional support for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) and its flagship event, Owanbe Season 2, during a strategic visit to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, in Abeokuta.
The NIPR delegation, led by the Chapter Chairman, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, visited the State Comptroller of Immigration, CIS Ganiyu Oladele, to strengthen institutional relations, promote participation in the forthcoming events and reinforce collaboration on national image management.
Owanbe Season 2, a flagship event of the Ogun NIPR Chapter, is scheduled to hold on November 6, 2026, in Abeokuta, while the World Public Relations Forum 2026, a global gathering of public relations professionals, will take place in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Boye highlighted the strategic importance of public relations professionals in both the public and private sectors, stressing that a positive reputation remains essential to the credibility, visibility and success of every organisation.
She explained that the two events provide participating organisations with valuable opportunities to strengthen their brands, showcase their activities, build strategic networks, exchange knowledge and engage in meaningful professional interactions.
The Ogun NIPR chairman reaffirmed the Chapter’s readiness to support the Nigeria Immigration Service in promoting public understanding of its activities and strengthening its institutional image across the state.
She described the NIS as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s national reputation management efforts, noting that effective communication and professional public relations are vital to building public trust in government institutions.
In his response, the Comptroller of Immigration, Ogun State Command, CIS Ganiyu Oladele, described the visit as timely and strategic, commending the Ogun NIPR Chapter for its dynamism and commitment to advancing the public relations profession.
He pledged the Command’s support for the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum 2026 in Abuja and expressed readiness for active participation in Owanbe Season 2 in Abeokuta.
Oladele emphasised the critical role of immigration officers in shaping a country’s international image, noting that they are often among the first points of contact for foreign visitors and other travellers entering a nation.
“Immigration officers are the first point of contact for anyone entering a country. How we receive, attend to and process visitors goes a long way in shaping perceptions about Nigeria. In that sense, the NIS and NIPR are natural partners in national image-making,” the Comptroller stated.
He also praised the strong working relationship established between the Command and the Ogun NIPR Chapter by his predecessor, assuring the delegation of his commitment to sustaining and strengthening the partnership for greater mutual benefit.
According to him, professional communication and reputation management have become increasingly important to security agencies in the modern era, making closer collaboration with public relations professionals imperative.
