NIPR Secretariat: CGC Adeniyi Seeks Stakeholder Backing Ahead of Global PR Event
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger support towards the completion of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) National Secretariat project in Abuja, describing the initiative as a landmark development for the public relations profession in Nigeria.
CGC Adeniyi made the appeal on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the ongoing construction site of the NIPR National Secretariat, popularly known as Public Relations Place, located within the premises of Radio House, Garki, Abuja.
The Customs boss expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the project, noting that the public relations profession has contributed significantly to nation-building and the professional development of many Nigerians.
According to him, the profession deserves a befitting national edifice that practitioners and citizens alike can identify with and take pride in.
“Public relations has done a lot for many of us. It has given us opportunities and platforms to serve, and it has made many of us what we are today. This is the time for us to give something back to the profession,” Adeniyi stated.
The CGC described the secretariat project as a major milestone for the Institute and expressed confidence in the leadership of the NIPR and members of the project committee handling the construction.
“This is very commendable. There is still a long way to go, but we have the right people to drive this project to completion,” he added.
Adeniyi further appealed to corporate organisations, government institutions, and stakeholders in the communication sector to support the completion of the project ahead of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), which Nigeria is expected to host later this year.
“We are hosting the world before the end of the year, and this project will be a good gift from Nigeria to the global PR family. Every support towards its completion will be welcome,” he said.
The Customs boss also assured stakeholders that he would continue mobilising support for the project within and outside the profession.
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CGC Adeniyi, a Fellow and immediate past Vice President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, has remained one of the prominent supporters of the Institute’s development initiatives.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Muhammad Bulama, described the project as a significant development for the public relations and communication industry in Nigeria.
Bulama explained that Radio Nigeria willingly released the land for the project after recognising the strategic role of the Institute in national development and public communication.
The FRCN Director-General admitted that he initially doubted the speed with which the project would progress, especially because an abandoned structure had occupied the same location for years before the commencement of the new secretariat.
“To be very honest, I was initially sceptical. But today, we are seeing a massive structure rising here within a short period, and we are proud to host this important institution,” he said.
Bulama also commended CGC Adeniyi for his consistent commitment and support towards the successful completion of the project.
“I want to particularly thank the Comptroller-General of Customs for his support for this institution. He has remained deeply committed to this project,” he added.
Also speaking during the visit, the Vice President of NIPR and Chairman of the Project Committee, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to delivering a befitting national secretariat for the profession.
Professor Dandaura, who received the delegation on behalf of the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Customs boss for identifying with the project and supporting the vision behind it.
He stated that the encouragement and backing from respected professionals and institutions had continued to strengthen the resolve of the committee towards ensuring the successful completion of the project.
The inspection visit was attended by Fellows and members of the NIPR Governing Council, officials of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, engineers handling the project, members of the project committee, and other stakeholders in the communication and public relations sector.
By PRNigeria
