Former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd) has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for upholding the mission and vision of the institute.

Mr Babangida stated this when he received members of NIPR led by its National President, Dr Ike Neliaku, on a courtesy visit to his residence  in Minna on Saturday.

The visit was part of the activities lined up to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the institute.

Mr Babangida explained that NIPR was the only institute that had brought its wisdom to bear in the affairs of the nation.

He said, “I have always believed that we have to write a new narrative for this great country, I want to commend NIPR for trying to provide a better society for all. The institute’s strength has gone high, as time goes by, our society will be a place that everybody will be proud to belong.’’

According to him, wherever he goes, he always advocates that other countries should copy what NIPR is doing.

Mr Babangida congratulated the institute for being steadfast in implementing what the country expected from them to do, adding that he was proud that NIPR was living to expectations.

Earlier, Mr Neiliaku said the visit was part of the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the institute established in 1963,

He added that IBB gave the institute a law which had become the strongest enforcement in public relations all over the world 34 years ago.

“The child you gave to us 34 years ago became 60 years old in 2023, but because of the general elections, we couldn’t celebrate last year and I will like to inform you that your efforts and sacrifice are not in vain,” he said.

The NIPR boss said that the institute had initiated the ‘Rebirth Nigeria,’ in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency.

Mr Neliaku said that the programme was established on four pillars of  citizens’ education, value reorientation, promotion of made- in- Nigeria goods and services as well as the promotion of service delivery.

He disclosed that the institute was establishing a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nasarawa State and had already got support from the state government.

In the same vein, the members had earlier visited the Emir of Minna, Dr Farouk Bahago, to solicit the royal father’s support, adding that the institute attached greater importance to the traditional institutions.

Responding, Mr Bahago thanked the institute for recognising the traditional institutions and the vital roles they play in the country.

Also, Niger State governor, Umaru Bago, applauded the foresight of Mr Babangida in signing the 1990 Decree that gave birth to the Chartered of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations NIPR in the country.

Mr Bago, represented by Head of Service, Abubakar Salisu, appealed to NIPR to support the ‘New Niger Agenda’ cutting across infrastructural development, provision of security and agricultural revolution for food security.

Also, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, said he aligned with the vision of the institute in shaping society.

Activities for the 60th anniversary commenced with a road walk and planting of 60 trees at the three arms zone in Minna.

(NAN)