NIPR Kaduna to hold maiden Bashir Chedi memorial lecture

The Kaduna state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is set to hold the maiden edition of the Bashir Adamu Chedi Annual Memorial Lecture on August 29, 2026, in Kaduna.

The lecture, instituted in honour of the late Mallam Bashir Adamu Chedi, a former Chairman and Council Member of the NIPR Kaduna State Chapter, will focus on strengthening mentorship and intergenerational collaboration in the public relations profession.

The maiden edition is themed, “Bridging Generations: Strengthening Public Relations Through Mentorship.”

The event is expected to attract public relations practitioners, academics, government officials, media professionals, students and other stakeholders from across the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, will be the Chief Host.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, FNIPR, is expected to chair the occasion, while Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun, FNIPR, will deliver the memorial lecture.

Speaking on the initiative, Chairman of NIPR Kaduna State Chapter, Haroun Malami, MNIPR, said the lecture was established to preserve the legacy of Chedi and recognise his contributions to the development of the institute and the profession.

Malami said Chedi was particularly committed to mentoring young practitioners and creating opportunities for them to develop professionally.

He said the memorial lecture would therefore provide a platform for practitioners to reflect on the values of service, professionalism, mentorship and leadership associated with the late PR practitioner.

“Mal­lam Bashir Adamu Chedi was deeply committed to the growth of the profession and, particularly, to creating opportunities for younger practitioners to learn, develop and contribute meaningfully.

“This memorial lecture is our way of preserving that legacy while creating a platform for the next generation of public relations professionals to benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who came before them,” he said.

Malami noted that mentorship had become increasingly important to the sustainability of the profession amid rapid technological changes, the growth of digital media and evolving stakeholder expectations.

He said experienced practitioners had an important role to play in transferring professional knowledge, ethical values and practical experience to younger practitioners.

“Effective mentorship provides a bridge between experience and innovation. It enables seasoned practitioners to transfer professional knowledge, ethical values, institutional memory and practical experience to younger generations, while also creating opportunities for intergenerational learning and collaboration,” he added.

The chapter said the lecture would also provide an opportunity for participants to discuss professional development, ethical practice, intergenerational collaboration and the future of public relations in Nigeria.

It expressed confidence that the initiative would become an annual platform for knowledge exchange and professional development while keeping alive the contributions of the late Chedi to the profession.