Fintiri hails NIPR’s inclusive approach to national reputation management

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for extending its developmental and reputation-management initiatives to sub-national governments, describing the institute as a credible partner in reshaping Nigeria’s national image.

Fintiri said the institute’s decision to host the 38th Dr Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture in Adamawa State provided an opportunity to showcase the state’s development strides to national and international audiences, attract investment and tourism, and build strategic partnerships.

The governor spoke on Thursday in Yola during the lecture, which had as its theme, “Narratives that Build Nations in Diversity: Public Relations, Leadership and Future of Nigeria.”

He described the hosting of the event as more than a ceremonial engagement, saying it offered his administration an opportunity to present its achievements over the past seven years in infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, poverty reduction and wealth creation.

“For us as a government, hosting the 38th Dr Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture is not just about hosting another event. It is an opportunity to show the world what we have achieved in the last seven years,” he said.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh, urged public office holders to prioritise legacy projects capable of delivering lasting and measurable benefits to citizens.

Momoh praised the vision of Dr Sam Epelle, the pioneer president of NIPR, whose contributions to the establishment and growth of the professional body, he said, continued to resonate decades after his departure.

He noted that Epelle’s enduring legacy demonstrated the importance of purposeful leadership and tangible contributions to professional and national development.

Speaking on the role of public relations in governance, the media entrepreneur said the profession should serve as a bridge between institutions and the people they exist to serve.

“Public relations should help close the distance between institutions and the people they serve. It should help leaders listen before they speak, understand before they announce, and act before they advertise,” he said.

Earlier, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, described the ongoing transformation in Adamawa State as a compelling development story deserving of greater national and international attention.

He urged Fintiri to take advantage of the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) to showcase his administration’s achievements and promote the economic potentials of the state.

Neliaku disclosed that an inspection of major projects across Adamawa by the NIPR Council revealed significant progress in infrastructure delivery and governance.

He added that the governor’s investiture as a patron of the institute was based on his administration’s performance and contributions to development.

The 38th Dr Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture is part of NIPR’s efforts to promote professional public relations practice and advance the role of strategic communication in national development.