NIPR Plans PR Varsity as FCT Chapter Elects New EXCO

NIPR Plans PR Varsity as FCT Chapter Elects New EXCO

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR), has unveiled its plan to establish a Public Relations University together with organizing a periodic National Spokespersons’ Workshops.

President and Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, made these known at the 2023 Annual General Meeting/Conference of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, NIPR Chapter, on Tuesday.

This is just as the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the institute elected Stanley Ogadigo and Edward Adebanjo as Chairman and Vice Chairman as well as ten other members into Executive Council.

The President of the umbrella body of Nigerian PR practitioners said the institute is proposing a social campaign tagged ‘Rebirthing Nigeria’.

Neliaku said: “These our initiatives are crucial steps toward fostering a stronger bond between the government and its citizens, with the potential to catalyze economic development”.

According to him, there is a need for the Institute to boost citizen engagement in the governance process of the country.

“That is why we are coming up with comprehensive strategies and multi-faceted approach, aimed at fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance model and policies in Nigeria,” he said.

The NIPR President while explaining that the Institute is taking tangible steps to bridge the gap between the government and the Nigerian populace, said: “Through Rebirthing Nigeria, National Spokesperson Workshops, and the establishment of a Public Relations University of Nigeria, we aim to actively engage citizens and build a more informed and participatory society”.

In his keynote speech, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), advocated for robust citizens’ involvement in policies’ formulation by the government, to aid the collective efforts of nation-building.

He called for a deliberate enhancement of government-citizen relations, citing it as a crucial factor for economic growth in the country.

Underscoring the significance of fostering meaningful government-citizen relations, he stressed the importance of mutual understanding and awareness of responsibilities between the citizenry and the government.

The academic emphasized that citizens should recognize the multifaceted nature of the government, comprising the legislature, executive, and judiciary, collaboratively working towards a common purpose guided by the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law. He articulated the need for envisioning key principles in the partnership between government and citizens for economic development.

Furthermore, the NILDS boss highlighted the indispensable role of accountability in this partnership, noting that a responsible government takes ownership of its actions and decisions, especially concerning the allocation, application, and management of public resources. The DG asserted that accountability serves as the cornerstone of a robust democracy, assuring citizens that their interests are protected.

Also speaking at the occasion, the outgone Chairperson of NIPR FCT Chapter, Mrs Maryam Sanusi said some of the the achievements recorded during her tenure, including securibg a land of over 7000 square meters for the institute.

Meanwhile, at the end of the Annual General Meeting where Stanley Ogadigo and Edward Adebanjo were elected Chairman and Vice Chairman of NIPR FCT Chapter, other members elected included: Chiamaka OBI-Okafor, Secretary; Victoria Paul, Assistant Secretary; Dr. James Odey, Financial Secretary; Tanyish Ahynopwa, Treasurer; Asiya Suleiman, Treasurer and Dr. Tope OJEME, PRO.

Four members were elected Ex-Officio. They are immediate past Chairman, Maryam Sanusi, Dr. James Odey, Aishah Gambari, Eberechukwu Emeribe, Ibrahim Babangida, anipr.

By PRNigeria