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Minister Inaugurates NIPR Council
The Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili has inaugurated the Governing Council of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) at the National Press Centre, Abuja .
The Minister observed with satisfaction that the rancour-free nature of the transition from the out-going council to the incoming is of immense importance to the new executive of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. The smooth transition, the minister posited, has a way of helping the succeeding administration to settle down to expeditiously execute their mandate.
Prof. Akunyili equally noted with satisfaction that the free and fair election that brought the elected members on board should be commended especially by the political class as we approach the year 2010 political activities. The need for free and fair contest, as well as the spirit of sportsmanship should be imbibed by all citizens in the interest of the Nation.
The Minister recalled with appreciation that NIPR has been a worthy partner with the government on its programmes by proffering suggestions and bringing insights to critical decisions. The Rebranding Nigeria Project is one programme where NIPR’s support was most outstanding in the outgoing year especially in her corporate shot on the committee that midwifed the logo and slogan of the campaign.
The 7-point Agenda of President Umaru Yar’Adua administration according to the Minister remains open to inputs from the NIPR and the vision 20: 2020 project. Aside from partnering with this administration to deepen democracy, Prof. Akunyili also urged the new council of NIPR to be alive to its duties as the regulator of Public relations in the country.
The Minister further said: “Your members who will be engaged as Advisers and Consultants to politicians should realise that they owe it a duty to their father land to make political communications credible, polite and factual”.
Prof. Akunyili enjoined members of the council to see their membership as a call to national duty, work assiduously to uplift the standards of public relations practice and give prime attention to capacity building.
The Minister finally commended the outgoing Executives and pledged that government would continue to support the NIPR and restore in the coming financial year its subvention to enable the council function maximally.
Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Abdulahi, the now President of NIPR, Lady Nancy Oghenekaro, Ministry’s Representative, Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, DG of NBC and other members witnessed the inauguration ceremony.
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