Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has described the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations as the nation’s foremost institution in safeguarding its “reputation gate,” asserting that its strategic initiatives could boost Nigeria’s global standing and help “make Nigeria great again.”
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations, Stanley Ogadigo, who noted that the governor made the remarks during his investiture as Patron of NIPR in Calabar.
Otu emphasised the importance of perception and national image in driving development, while praising the Institute for key initiatives such as the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), the establishment of the University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), and securing the 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, highlighted the Institute’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its regulatory mandate for public relations practice in Nigeria. He noted that NIPR is pursuing partnerships with credible leaders and institutions to build a strong national reputation capable of enhancing the country’s influence globally.
Neliaku also commended Otu’s commitment to effective governance, pointing to his people-focused initiatives across sectors such as education, agriculture, road development, and infrastructure as evidence of strong leadership. He added that these efforts align with the Institute’s vision of promoting reputation-driven governance that inspires national pride and attracts investment.
