AAT Varsity Ag. VC, charges NIPR on Consolidation of Achievements
The Acting Vice Chancellor of AbdulRazaq Abubakar Toyin University Ganmo in Kwara State, Prof. AbdulRauf Ambali has charged members of Dr Ike Neliaku led Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to see their reelection as an impetus towards consolidating on their efforts in using Public Relations to address the nation’s multi dimensional problems.
Prof Ambali gave the advice in Ilorin, while reacting to the reelection of Prof Saudat Salah AbdulBaqi as member of the NIPR Governing Council at the just concluded NIPR’s Annual week in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
A statement from the office of the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, observed with delight that the first tenure of Dr Ike Neliaku led Governing Council, ably supported by the first female Professor of Mass Communication in University of Ilorin Prof Saudat Salah AbdulBaqi has been permeated by strategic partnerships, consistent commitment and innovative initiative to advancing the practice of public relations in Nigeria and beyond.
The Vice Chancellor who is a Professor of Political Science ,while praising Public Relations Practitioners for recognizing excellent performance, disclosed that the reelected Governing Council has not only revitalized Africa’s largest PR institute, but also positioned Nigeria as an emerging hub for global best practices in reputation management.
Prof. Ambali explained, with delight that the establishment of Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG)by the current leadership to address the growing need for effective reputation management in both public and private sectors,has not only positioned NIPR as a leader in reputation management in the country,but improving the nation’s battered image in the comity of nations.
He explained that the performance of the current leadership which also has the Director General of the National Orientation Agency Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu as government appointed member, has over the past two years not only raised NIPR’s status but also positioned Nigeria as a leader in public relations on the global stage.
He said the introduction of the Nigeria Spokespersons Summit,last year by Dr Neliaku’s leadership has not only provides platforms for
networking, capacity building and the exchange of best practices,
in communication and reputation management,but assisted in curbing the incidence of violent communication, hitherto characterizing the communication landscape, thereby reducing the aggravated ethno- religious tension across the nation.
The AATU Vice Chancellor then enjoined Governing Council to use the renewed mandate, to ensure the smooth take off of its proposed University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), to provide world-class education and training in public relations and leadership, to further professionalize the PR practice in Nigeria.
Prof. Ambali equally charged the Institute to consolidate on forged strategic partnerships with key organizations, to further create opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration, expand NIPR’s influence and strengthen the institute’s role in national development.
