Otu vows active role in NIPR’s push to secure Nigeria’s

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has positioned the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as Nigeria’s frontline defender in managing the nation’s “reputation gate,” declaring that its bold initiatives will propel the country toward global competitiveness and make “Nigeria great again.”

According to a statement issued by Director, Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo, the governor spoke at his investiture as Patron of NIPR in Calabar.

Otu stressed the critical role of perception and reputation in nation-building. He commended the Institute for launching the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), establishing the first University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), and securing hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).

“Your investiture is completely different from others and the difference is clear. I will be a very active patron because what you are doing is apt and good. For the events you have mentioned, we will participate in all of them. The challenge of manning our reputation gate as a nation is a very serious one, but when you move in as an Institute and with the calibre of people I am seeing here, the story will change and our nation will be on a path of visible growth.”

Earlier, NIPR President, Ike Neliaku, outlined the Institute’s proactive efforts to fulfill its core mandate of regulating public relations practice across Nigeria. As part of this drive, NIPR is actively seeking collaborations with credible leaders and institutions to construct a robust reputational asset for the country, positioning it as a key player on the world stage.

He specifically applauded Otu for his unwavering commitment to quality service delivery, highlighting his human-centered projects spanning education, agriculture, roads, and other developmental infrastructure as clear demonstrations of exceptional leadership capacity. These initiatives, he noted, align perfectly with NIPR’s vision for reputation-driven governance that fosters national pride and investor confidence.