By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for amplifying the voices of women and promoting balance, equity and empowerment through communication.
Kefas gave the commendation at the 2026 NIPR International Women’s Day celebration held on Monday in Abuja.
The event, with the theme: “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women,” was organised by NIPR in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
The governor linked the theme of the event to the story of creation in the Holy Book, stressing the importance of communication in achieving balance and societal progress.
He said communication played a vital role in fostering understanding, cooperation and development in society.
Kefas also appreciated the leadership of the institute for promoting inclusiveness and encouraging women’s participation in governance and nation-building.
“When I was elected the governor of Tarawa State, I brought in about seven young women as my commissioners. And they are doing so well. It is time for all of us to get back on track.
“It is the women that keeps the home, ensure that the children make progress in life and also support us, the men” Kefas said.
In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the theme was relevant in today’s complex information and security environment.
According to him, communication and narrative construction can either deepen divisions or build bridges of understanding and trust.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it is also important to place women at the centre of today’s reflection.
“Women remain central to the stability and progress of every society.
“They are not only caregivers or nurturers of family, but also leaders, mediators, educators, and builders of peace whose influence extends across communities and generations,” Laka said.
He emphasised the need to create more space for women’s leadership and participation in governance, security and national development.
Also speaking, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, called for greater recognition of women’s leadership roles in shaping society and global values.
Neliaku said the global community must move beyond limiting women’s roles and instead encourage them to lead and contribute meaningfully to development.
“The world now must tell women to lead, rise and reshape the future of the global values in our families and our societies.
“Today marks for us not only a celebration, but also a moment of historical remembrance, a moment of collective gratitude, and a moment of renewed commitment,” he said.
Neliaku noted that empowering women strengthened institutions and enhanced progress across sectors including public service, media, corporate leadership and civil society.
The NIPR president reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting women’s achievements and advancing gender inclusion within the public relations profession.
He also disclosed that Nigeria would host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja in November, expected to attract more than 3,000 participants from over 126 countries under the Global Alliance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other speakers at the event urged women to participate actively in politics and national development.
They included the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; and the wife of the Niger governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
