Pursuant to Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Act CAP N114 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria LFN 2004, Byelaw No. 2, section 4, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has been invested as a Patron.
Conducting the investiture at the Exco Chambers of the Governor’s office in Calabar, Tuesday, the Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council and National President, Dr Ike Neliaku, said his team was in the state to celebrate not only a good man but, one that values humanity and tries to add more value to it.
Neliaku extolled the achievements of the new Patron in the state especially for embarking on what he termed as “projects with economic value,” in education, roads, infrastructure among others.
Continuing, the NIPR President averred that, “we are delighted to perform this ceremony because we are a reputation- driven Institute and we don’t throw our reputation around, instead we look out for those who are reputation driven and ready to champion its course.”
He added that Public Relations is both an art and a science as it deals with monitoring of trends, analysing trends, predicting consequences based on what is monitored and analysed, after which it counsels leaders and implement plan of action for the benefit of the people and society.
Neliaku who stressed the need for mutual coexistence among humans, also argued that when leaders understand the power of relationship, conflict ceases to occur.
He reminded Otu that his office as Patron serves as the guiding light of NIPR in the promotion of its code of ethics, professional standards and solemn commitment to create a more reputation-conscious society where the dignity and pride of all people and culture in the land are respected.
Responding, the governor thanked the Institute for the honour done him, remarking that, “In everything I do humanity comes first and today you have come to inject more wisdom and knowledge on me by reminding me that it is only humanity that would survive even in heaven.”
Reasoning that perception and relationship remain vital, he charged all to expand the humanity moral and continue to coexist and interact peacefully.
Admitting that his administration has tried to touch all sectors of the economy, though facing transportation challenges, Otu assured that soon, he will put in place a policy to check the said challenge.
The elated Otu who recently bagged three awards from academic institutions and media houses, enjoined members of the public not to relent in manning the reputation gate of the nation wherever they find themselves.
The event featured procession and exchange of gifts.