IBB Urges NIPR To Enhance Nigeria’s Global Image

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) recently marked its 60th anniversary with celebrations across its state chapters, emphasising the importance of public relations in Nigeria. Members felt “refreshed, renewed, and reinvigorated,” planting 60 trees in major Nigerian cities as part of a Diamond Walk.

The leadership poetically described the institute as “Like a diamond, strong and resilient. Reflecting the brilliance of professionalism and excellence. Enduring, yet radiant and bright.”

At the national level, the leadership of the institute led by Dr. Ike Neiliaku, President of the NIPR, had paid a courtesy visit to General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), former Nigerian military president, who charged the institute to rewrite the narrative of Nigeria’s image.

Speaking in his hilltop home in Minna, General Babangida expressed happiness with the achievements recorded by the institute, noting that he was proud of the institute. He said the institute had lived up to the expectations of Nigerians, and urged it to sustain the tempo for the good of the country.

Dr. Neiliaku noted that the institute had grown from being just officers to performing management functions, stating that the dynamics had changed as public relations is now a leadership function, hence the need to increase the value of public relations for strategic and effective communication.

He revealed that the institute plans to establish a PR and Leadership University to be located in Nassarawa State, and identified Nigerian challenges as a project for rebirth.

He also said that the institute is also planning citizens and value reorientation, to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods, promote service delivery, create a museum for national leadership and icon as well as create Nigerian reputation house.

Also speaking then, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Malagi, represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jubrin Ndace, assured of sustainable partnership with the NIPR in achieving the national value chain policy of the federal government.

With pomp and pageantry, members of the premier chapter of the institute, Lagos NIPR, turned out en masse in a carnival-like atmosphere to celebrate the Anniversary.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Chapter, Samuel O. Adeyemi, the event, themed ‘Walk for Economic Transformation’, commenced in front of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, Ikeja, and concluded at the JJT Park in Alausa part of the city.

Speaking on the significance of the walk, the Chairman of the Chapter, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo, emphasised the critical role of the PR profession in driving economic transformation. She stressed that Nigerian policymakers must urgently prioritise public relations as a pivotal tool for transforming the nation’s fortunes.

The diamond celebration was commemorated simultaneously across all 36 states of Nigeria.

At the Ogun State chapter’s celebration where the institute unveiled Green Park, and also planted Economic Trees to mark the Anniversary, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, called for collective commitment to fostering a sustainable environment in Nigeria, emphasising the need for strong stakeholders’ support to combat climate change.

Represented by Professor Zacharia Yaduma, Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. Salako, who made this appeal at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, highlighted the importance of reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and enhancing the health of its ecosystems.

He urged for continued efforts in promoting green energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation initiatives.

Apart from the planting of 60 trees, the celebration also featured a colourful street walk themed ‘Walking for Economic Transformation’.

Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, represented by Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, commended the NIPR for its environmental initiatives and assured continued support from the state government.

Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, Rector of MAPOLY, and Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, Chairman of Ogun NIPR, also spoke on the significance of sustainable development and the institute’s role in promoting environmental consciousness.

Then, Dr. Salako announced the donation of 1,000 seedlings to support the tree planting campaign.

The dignitaries in attendance included Alhaji Ebun Atinuke, State Chairman of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria; Dr. Kunle Ashimi, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA); Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); Mr. Sanya Falemu, President of the Landscape Horticulturist Association of Nigeria (LAHORAN); and Mr. Waheed Adesina, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy.