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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Federal Government has called on the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to continue to be committed to strengthening unity, promoting national value and advancing national development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the charge at the 35th Anniversary Conference of the NIPR FCT Chapter in Abuja Thursday.
The event, which has “Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding” as its theme, was organised by the chapter with support from stakeholders.
Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace, explained that the mandate of his ministry aligned deeply with the value of the NIPR.
“As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, through the platform of Voice of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria, Radio Nigeria and others will continue to support what the NIPR is doing.
“At this time, in our national journey, NIPR practitioners must rally around the national flag and demonstrate unwavering commitment to strengthening our unity, promoting national value and advancing national development.
“This is the moment to uphold the true essence of our profession in service of this country. Public relations practitioners have a vital responsibility in shaping national unity and progress.
“The biggest solution to this country’s problem lies in this room, because, all major national issues are solved through communication.
“That is why there is need for all the professionals to rally around the national flag. In time of national crisis, there is no political party, tribe or religion but one Nigeria,” Idris said.
Also speaking, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, said 35 years is a long journey that calls for stock-taking and reflections especially to NIPR that has done so much and well.
Lawal was represented by Malam Madataau Madawaki, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state.
According to him, the NIPR has remarkably done well in shaping and sustaining the observance of high standards of professional and ethical practice in public relations across both public and private sectors of our national life.
“This is in addition to the choice of the theme of the conference which aptly speaks volume of how strategic the institute is, towards fine tuning leaders’ emotional intelligence for inclusive development and nation branding.
“It is therefore my sincere hope and expectation that you will remain a good citadel of learning and a mirror that will continue to shape and sustain public relations across organisations in line with global best practices,” Lawal said.
Also, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso, described NIPR as a major building block for reputation.
“We all have a role to play in addressing insecurity in the country, by reporting suspicious characters in our societies to the appropriate authorities.
“The World Public Relations Forum 2026 holding in Nigeria is an opportunity to showcase the hospitality, respect, resilience and love that we are made up of,” Izunaso said.
The President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, tasked Nigerian leaders to prioritise the nation’s reputation.
“It is time for us to teach our young people; for them to know that the reputation of this country is more important than every individual.
“The NIPR is a reputation builder. And that’s why we have set up the Nigeria Reputation Management Group to help to manage the reputation gate of Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Neliaku said
He solicited for partnership with the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to help the institute.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of FCT Chapter of the NIPR, Mr Stanley Ogadigo, commended the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Hajiya Lami Tumaka, for successful and effective mobilisation.
Ogadigo also commended the pioneer chairman of the Chapter, Mr Mike Okereke, for his leadership and the foundation he laid for the chapter years ago.
NAN reports that those in attendance included members from the House of Representatives, Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, officers of the Federel Fire Service, members of National Youth Service Corps, students and other relevant stakeholders from the public relations ecosystem.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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