The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR marked its 60th anniversary with a grand celebration and conferment of honorary fellowship on distinguished Nigerians with a bold call on the New Nigerian Narrative.
Held on Thursday, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, saw a roll call of dignitaries that were honored with the prestigious ‘Diamond Anniversary Awards’ including Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Former Information Minister, Professor Jerry Gana, the current Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris Malagi; Governors of Kwara and Borno States, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Prof. Babagana Zulum and others.
President and Chairman of the Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR in his address, noted that the Diamond Anniversary Celebration was formally flagged off on June 1, 2024, with the planting of 60 trees across all states of the federation.
He explained that Minna was chosen for this symbolic act to reconnect with one of the foundational elements of the NIPR, former President Ibrahim Babangida, who signed the NIPR charter into law on June 1, 1990.
Recounting the visit to President Babangida, Dr. Neliaku quoted him saying, “I have always believed that we have to write a new narrative for this great country. And, as time goes by, our society will be a society that everybody will be proud to belong to.” He commended the NIPR for its efforts to create a better society and affirmed his continued trust in the Institute.
Dr. Neliaku highlighted the NIPR’s commitment to designing a new narrative for Nigeria. “It is time for the NIPR to give the nation a new narrative, to design a new direction, and a new perspective for this great nation.” he said.
He emphasized on the importance of trust, hope, effective communication, rebuilding relationships, citizen reorientation, leadership accountability, promoting Made in Nigeria products, and managing Nigeria’s reputation.
Furthermore, he noted that the team also visited General Yakubu Gowon, who expressed his happiness with the NIPR’s efforts. He said, “I am happy for the efforts your Institute is making and the support you are rallying to make sure that people believe in Nigeria.”
However, Dr. Neliaku noted that arising from the charge given to it by Nigerians fathers, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has risen to accept the challenge to design a new narrative for Nigeria.
He also urged Nigerians to reprogramme the nation for genuine transformation and development. “If Nigeria was designed and programmed to fail, it is now time for Nigerians to wisely reprogramme Nigeria for genuine transformation and development,” he stated.
The Diamond Anniversary Dinner and Awards, which marked the conclusion of the NIPR’s 60th-anniversary celebration, featured various categories, including Life Time Awards, Ambassadors of Brands Nigeria and Awards for Excellence in Professional Service and Professional Compliance.
