The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has inducted nine new PR agencies into its fold to further bolster professional participation among members.

The induction performed by the President of PRCAN, Mr Chido Nwakama, featured Silver Bullets, Pauline Fredricks, Hally Sports, Chain Reactions, Synthesis Communications, Concrete Communications, Leap Communication, Red Gecko Limited and Topcomm Limited was one of the high points of the Extra-ordinary General Meeting of the association.

Speaking at the EGM, Mr Nwakama enthused that attendance and participation of members, as far as PRCAN meetings is concerned, has improved considerably in just 3months of taking over the helm of affairs by the new ex-co. ‘‘Since the current executive came on board, the association has witnessed renewed participation from members. Although, more still has to be done to rid the industry of illegal and largely untrained PR agents. Apart from this, our membership has grown appreciably and the master’s class is gaining momentum as students can testify to the unquantifiable 360 knowledge they have garnered so far. These PR firms have been inducted because they have met the requirements and they can now operate officially as practitioners.

Furthermore, the EGM allowed for members to deliberate on issues affecting the professional body and how to grow the association such that it will become a force to reckon with both locally and globally. For instance, it was unanimously agreed that the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) can tighten its regulations to protect local industry players like the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigerian has done by enacting its reform.

According to erstwhile president of PRCAN, Mr.Emeka Maduagbuna, the burning issue of international affiliation has become a reality in the contemporary market space. Mr. Maduegbuna who is also the Chairman of C & F Porta Novelli, is however, hopeful that public relations activity in Nigeria will continue to assume more attention on the global stage.

His words, ‘‘In spite of the national attention the issue of international affiliation has attracted, NIPR, the umbrella association of PRCAN has been silent about it. We have to make concrete arrangements to put our house in order. That PRCAN is taking the initiative is a good step in the right direction’’.