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Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Abolaji Abolade Orederu (left) being decorated as the Patron of the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria by the Executive President, Michael Ikinbor
The Executive President of the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria, Mr Ikinbor Michael has applauded the character of the institution of the Nigerian Navy which has made it distinctive and respected in the society.
Ikinbor, while giving special remarks at the Cocktail Event to honour the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Abolaji Abolade Orederu during an event tagged The Protocol Renaissance in Nigeria at the weekend at the Naval Dockyard Limited in Lagos, said that “the Navy has long been a symbol of discipline and dedication, serving as a reminder that protocol is the backbone of successful interactions both within and outside our borders.”
“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the organizers of this event, especially the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Ltd for their unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the practice of protocol in our country. Your collaboration exemplifies the spirit of unity that is essential for driving meaningful change.
“As we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead, let us remember that our responsibility as protocol practitioners extends beyond our individual roles. We are ambassadors of professionalism and stewards of cultural integrity. Let us engage in this renaissance with creativity, integrity, and passion,” the President said.
The ACPPN further emphasised “the need to transition from traditional protocol practices to a more modern and professional approach. Too often, we consider protocol as a static concept, yet it is inherently dynamic. A professional protocol practitioner must be keenly aware of norms, values, and established practices, demonstrating a willingness to uphold them while adapting to new challenges.
“It is crucial to distinguish between a traditional protocol officer and a professional protocol practitioner. While the former might limit their role to assisting their principal in carrying out routine tasks such as holding bags at events, the latter plays a critical role in the entire value chain of successful events and meetings. A professional protocol practitioner is not only adept at utilizing legitimate fast-track processes when available but also aspires to the highest levels of management, acquiring the requisite skills and training to succeed,” he said.
To Ikinbor, the certified protocol practitioners in Nigeria is aware of the digital age the world has found itself, adding that “I urge you to reflect on the importance of innovation within our field. The challenges we face today, from globalization to digital communication, require us to adapt our protocols to remain relevant and effective. The Protocol Renaissance is about revitalizing our approaches, incorporating creativity, and being responsive to the needs of modern Nigeria and the world at large.
“Let us embrace this renaissance with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. Together, we can develop frameworks that not only preserve our rich heritage but also elevate the standards of professionalism in our work.”
