In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, themed “The Girl I Am; The Change I Lead,” the Rivers Secondary School Old Boys and Girls Association, Class of 1983 (ROGBA’83), in collaboration with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), hosted an inspiring conference for girls aged 12 to 19 on Saturday at the RCCG Life Chapel Area, Rumubiakani, Rivers State.

According to Dr. (Mrs.) Ibinabo Ogolo, Secretary General of ROGBA’83, the event was part of the association’s commitment to give back to society and make a lasting impact on young girls. She explained that the goal was to help them find their voice, embrace purpose, and think proactively about shaping a better future for themselves and their communities.

“Our aim is to support and give back to society by helping young females speak up, brace up, and think about what they can do to impact the future,” she said.

The conference featured interactive sessions and mentorship talks led by seasoned speakers who inspired the girls to think big, stay focused, and stand out.

Barrister Ibiwari Waribo emphasized that the future belongs to girls with vision and determination.
“Better futures are created by a girl child who has vision and is driven by greatness,” she said.

She noted that empowering girls means empowering the world, creating room for females to reach their fullest potential.
“Empowering a girl child automatically means empowering the world,” she added.

Waribo also cautioned against drug abuse among youths, urging the girls to embrace integrity and self-discipline rather than following the crowd.
“Timing is everything. Do not procrastinate,” she stressed, highlighting the importance of hard work and focus.

She further called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protect the girl child’s rights to education, equality, and safety from abuse.
“Training a girl child is training a nation,” she stated, condemning discriminatory practices against women in inheritance and encouraging girls to value their dignity and reject all forms of abuse or discrimination.

Dame Agnes Tuboalabo, Secretary of the International Day of the Girl Child 2025 Planning Committee, drew lessons from the Bible, reminding the girls that they hold the power to make choices that shape their lives and influence generations to come.
“The girl child carries society upon her shoulders and must make decisions that shape the future of a generation,” she said.

Barrister Ngozi Ajayi, Chairman of the Planning Committee, encouraged participants to visualize the kind of women they want to become. Through an engaging exercise, the girls shared dreams of becoming university graduates, footballers, dermatologists, and business owners.
“Always envision the woman you want to become,” she advised.

Ajayi also emphasized discipline, prayer, and focus, urging the girls not to be pressured into early marriage.
“Though marriage is good, do not be pressured into it. Times and seasons have changed,” she said.

She further highlighted the importance of digital inclusion, noting that while the digital era offers opportunities for innovation and growth, it also comes with risks such as cyberbullying and distractions.
“The digital world opens doors for girls, but wisdom and discipline are key to using it right,” she cautioned.

In her closing remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogolo encouraged parents to be role models and strengthen their children through love, guidance, and example.

The conference ended on a powerful note, leaving the girls inspired to lead change, embrace education, and walk confidently into a brighter, self-defined future.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) must move beyond assumptions and normative hopes if the profession is to thrive in today’s complex business environment, so says its former national president, Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown.

Brown made the call in his goodwill message at the Rivers State Chapter’s maiden Public Relations Week. He described the theme of the event, “Refocusing Stakeholder Engagment And Public Trust In A Challenging Economy”, as both “challenging and timely,” noting that PR practice must now be guided by systematic understanding rather than guesswork.

He said the frequent use of the term “stakeholders” without clear definition or research-backed analysis has created a gap in professional practice.

“Too often, we use ‘stakeholders’ as a catchword without a proper understanding of who they are or how they behave. This weakens strategic planning and communication outcomes,” Brown said.

Amaopusenibo Brown, who is also a former Managing Director of defunct Garden City Sunray Newspapers, urged practitioners to rethink the concept of stakeholders and how they differ across sectors.

“Are stakeholders in oil and gas the same as those in aviation or education? Does the business environment shape stakeholders, or do stakeholders shape the environment?” he asked.

He said the Institute must develop frameworks that help members identify and categorize stakeholders, study their behavior, and predict what works best among them.

“NIPR must not only use the term ‘stakeholders’ — we must own it through deeper study, analysis, and application,” he added.

Drawing lessons from experience, the former NIPR national president cited recent events in Rivers State as a practical lesson in stakeholder influence. He noted that during the Sole Administratorship period, citizens, particularly women, raised their voices peacefully against injustice and were able to effect change.

“That episode showed how powerful organized, peaceful stakeholders can be when they understand their role and responsibility,” he said.

Brown stressed that predicting stakeholder behavior is now central to effective Public Relations and should form part of practitioners’ strategic planning.

Insisting that professional standards must be consistent, Brown decried the lack of uniform professional standards across NIPR Chapters, comparing the situation unfavorably to medicine and law.

“A PR professional from Jos should be able to deliver the same standard of work in Asaba or Aba. That’s the hallmark of a true profession,” he maintained.

He lamented that many Chapters tolerate substandard work in the name of convenience, adding that such laxity erodes public confidence. “When a media post or publicity material falls short, we often hear, ‘let it go.’ But no serious client would accept that,” he said.

While calling for a new professional mindset, Brown urged Chapters to function as credible resource centres that promote excellence, accountability, and ethical practice. He said Public Relations will only earn respect when practitioners deliver consistent value based on research and professionalism.

“If we achieve clarity in defining our stakeholders, uphold high standards, and embrace accountability, it will mark a new dawn for Public Relations practice in Nigeria,” Brown concluded.

The maiden Rivers Public Relations Week Week And Alabo Olu Benibo Fubara Memorial Gold Paper Lecture took place at the La Sien Pavilion along Forces Avenue in Port Harcourt Rivers State from October 8 to October 10, 2025.