…As He Presents 2025 Imo Chapter AGM Keynote Address
By Bright OKEREKE
The Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute Public Relations (NIPR), has honoured the Vice Chancellor, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) Ideato, Imo State, Professor Ikechukwu N. S. Dozie, with the ‘Leadership Luminary Award’ for his proactive and impressive University administrative performance and more, his highly valued support for the Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The event which held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Rockview Hotel Owerri, had the former Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Dr. Ikedi Ohakim as the Chairman, the Chairman Imo State Council of traditional Rulers (Eze-Imo), HRM Eze Dr. Emmanuel C. Okeke, Ezeudo II of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, as the Royal Father of the Day and the Vice Chancellor, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) Ideato, Imo State, Professor Ikechukwu N. S. Dozie, as the Day’s Keynote Lecturer, among other distinguished personalities and awardees.
The Keynote Lecturer, Prof I. N. S. Dozie, who spoke on the theme “Managing National Reputation In A Digital Era: The Role Of Public Relations”, thanked the Imo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma CON, who doubles as the Day’s Special Guest of Honour, for the opportunity to serve as the pioneer substantive, Vice Chancellor, of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), an institution, he described as the fastest growing State-Owned University in the Southeast, if not the country.
While thanking the Imo NIPR for appointing him, the Institute’s 2025 Anual General Meeting (AGM) Keynote Speaker, he emphasized on the great value of maintaining a positive reputation as a brand or nation, stressing that damages done by misinformation in few seconds may not be ultimately recovered in several years.
He, also emphasized on the destructive dangers of misinformation and urged Public Relations practitioners to improve the nation’s reputation and guard against misinformation in order to avoid its huge damaging effects. He urged them to ascertain the source of their information and ensure the authenticity before filling out or approving the spread.
Receiving the Leadership Luminary award of Honour, Professor Dozie, expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Imo State Chapter, for finding him worthy for the prestigious recognition. He therefore promised of an increased support and partnership with the institute while promising to have his University partner with the institute in more future fronts.
Appreciating the scholarly lecture, the oldest Fellow of the Institute in the State, Prince Ako Njamanze, described the guest lecturer, Prof Dozie, who is a Professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, as being more Public Relations prone than the professional experts. He also thanked him for finding time to grace the occasion while wishing him well in his leadership and administrative endeavours in the University.
Management and Staff of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, who graced the occasion with presence include the Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Management team, represented by University Registrar, Dr. Juliet Ekwusike, the University Librarian, Dr. Ngozi Nwaohiri, HOD, Economics Department, Dr. A. E. Agugua, Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor on Media and member NIPR, Bright Okereke, Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor. Barr. Obinna Igwe and Nwakego Ohaegbulem of the University’s Public Relations and Information Unit among others.
Students of Mass Communication with bias in Public Relations from various Universities in the State participated actively during the event. Also present were many dignified members of the general public and major professional stakeholders from the national office who represented the NIPR national President and Chairman of the Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku.
