The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has honoured the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Dr Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to strategic communication in healthcare.
The recognition was conferred during a courtesy visit to the medical facility as part of activities marking the 2026 World Public Relations Day, celebrated globally under the theme, "The Golden Age of Strategic PR."
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, described Public Relations as an indispensable management function that plays a vital role in effective governance, institutional reputation, stakeholder engagement and public trust, particularly within the healthcare sector.
She explained that the visit formed part of activities to commemorate this year's World Public Relations Day, a global celebration dedicated to promoting ethical communication, transparency, accountability and trust-building between organisations and their stakeholders.
According to Mrs Boye, Dr Ibiyemi was selected for the recognition not only because she is the first female Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, but also because of her unwavering belief in the strategic value of professional Public Relations.
"Your appointment is a landmark achievement that reflects excellence, resilience and visionary leadership. Beyond making history as the first woman to occupy this office, you have continued to demonstrate that effective leadership is strengthened by strategic communication and meaningful stakeholder engagement," she said.
Mrs Boye further commended the Medical Director for appointing a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations as the Head of the hospital's Public Relations Department, describing the decision as a practical demonstration of the value she places on the profession and one that aligns with global best practices in institutional management.
She noted that healthcare institutions are increasingly assessed not only by the quality of medical services they provide but also by how effectively they communicate with patients, employees, government agencies, development partners and the public.
According to her, ethical and professional communication remains one of the strongest drivers of institutional credibility, especially in the healthcare sector, where public confidence directly impacts service delivery and organisational reputation.
"Public confidence is built on trust, and trust is built through communication. In today's healthcare environment, quality medical services must be complemented by credible, timely and professional communication. This is why Public Relations has become an essential management function in every progressive institution," she added.
Mrs Boye also noted that World Public Relations Day provides an opportunity to remind leaders in both the public and private sectors that sustainable institutions are built on transparency, accountability and consistent stakeholder engagement.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi, expressed appreciation to the Institute for the honour and pledged her continued support for initiatives that promote professionalism, ethical communication and institutional excellence.
She acknowledged the importance of effective Public Relations in strengthening public confidence in healthcare institutions and commended the Ogun State Chapter of NIPR for advancing professional standards through advocacy, capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
Highlighting some of the achievements recorded by the hospital, Dr Ibiyemi disclosed that the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, had achieved zero maternal mortality and significantly improved its pharmaceutical services, among other milestones.
She called on the Institute and its members to partner with the hospital in enhancing service delivery and improving public perception of the institution, stressing that such collaboration would play a significant role in strengthening public trust in the hospital's services.
The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ethical communication, strengthening institutions through strategic stakeholder engagement and promoting Public Relations as a vital tool for good governance, sustainable development and national progress.