The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abia State Chapter, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, elected Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, FNIPR, as its new State Chairman.
The election, which held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Umuahia, followed the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past State Executive led by Deacon Olunkwa Felix.
The exercise was supervised by the National President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, who was represented by Dr Ahmed Sajoh, FNIPR, Chairman, Council Committee on Chapter Support and Development.
Speaking at the event, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief Okey Kanu, congratulated the newly elected Executive and charged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, assuring them that the doors of the Abia State Government remain open for collaboration with the Institute.
In his remarks, the National President urged the new leadership to ensure that NIPR Abia State Chapter remains a formidable professional body, conducting its affairs in line with best practices. He also highlighted recent amendments to the Institute’s Bye-Laws, which now allow chapters to establish branches.
“The new Bye-Law provides for chapters to have branches. This means you can have Aba and Umuahia Chapters, each holding meetings independently and coming together quarterly,” he explained.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, expressed deep gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in her, describing her election as a collective achievement rather than a personal victory.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I thank you sincerely for the confidence you have reposed in me by electing me as the Chairman of the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations,” she said.
She acknowledged God’s role in her emergence and commended the Electoral Committee for conducting what she described as a transparent and credible process.
“Your unity today is a powerful statement about the future of Abia NIPR,” she added.
Ralph-Nwachukwu noted that her emergence marked a historic milestone for the Chapter, as she becomes the first female Chairman produced by the Abia State Chapter of NIPR.
“With all sense of modesty, this moment reflects not a personal achievement, but the steady growth of our Chapter as I assume this responsibility as the first female Chairman produced by Abia NIPR,” she stated.
She paid tribute to past Chairmen and former Executive members, acknowledging their sacrifices and foundational contributions to the growth of the Chapter.
Calling for unity and collective responsibility, the Chairman emphasized that the election should mark the beginning of renewed commitment to service.
“This election is not about an individual; it is about service. It is a call to work together to reposition Abia NIPR as a Chapter defined by clarity, unity, professionalism, and progress,” she said.
Outlining her leadership priorities, Ralph-Nwachukwu pledged to promote inclusiveness, strengthen professionalism and ethical practice, enhance the visibility and relevance of the Chapter, and build strategic partnerships.
“We will not lead in isolation. We will listen. We will consult. We will carry everyone along, because every member matters, and every voice counts,” she assured.
She urged members to put the election process behind them and focus on strengthening the Institute.
“I call on all professional colleagues to put the election behind us and focus on the bigger task ahead: building a stronger, respected, and impactful Abia NIPR,” she concluded.
Other officers elected include:
• Ikechukwu-Odionyenfe Oluchi – Vice Chairman
• Ori Innocent-Onuoha – Secretary
• Victor Onwuka – Assistant Secretary
• Grace Gbagi – Financial Secretary
• Onyinyechi Obi – Treasurer
• Promise Uzoma Okoro (PUO) – Public Relations Officer
• Cletus Nwankwo – Auditor
• Amaka Unamba – Welfare Officer
Meanwhile, the immediate past Chairman, Deacon Olunkwa Felix, Sir OJ Bob Amanze and Sir Chinkwe Ikenyi were elected as Ex-Officio members of the Chapter Executive.
Promise Uzoma Okoro
Public Relations Executive, Abia NIPR
January 27, 2026
