Just In: Babangida Calls On NIPR To Spearhead Positive Narrative-Change For Nigeria

Just In: Babangida Calls On NIPR To Spearhead Positive Narrative-Change For Nigeria

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to continue leading efforts to reshape Nigeria’s narratives for a better society. Babangida praised the institute during a visit by the NIPR governing council, led by its president, Ike Neliaku, to his Minna mansion in celebration of the institute’s 60th diamond anniversary.

Babangida commended NIPR for its wisdom and effective management, noting that the institute has steadfastly met the country’s expectations. He emphasized the importance of creating a new narrative for Nigeria, expressing hope that the society would eventually become one that all citizens could take pride in.

“I have always believed that we have to write a new narrative for this great country. And, as time goes by, our society will be a society that everybody will be proud to belong to,” Babangida said. He also highlighted NIPR’s exemplary role and suggested that other countries could learn from its efforts.

Congratulating the institute on its milestone, Babangida expressed pride in NIPR’s achievements, stating, “So far, the Institute has not misplaced the trust I have in it. I feel very proud of the institute, as it is living up to expectations.”

NIPR President Neliaku highlighted that the institute, established in 1963 and chartered in 1989 during Babangida’s administration, was the first of its kind to achieve chartered status globally. He noted that they visited Niger State to celebrate the anniversary with Babangida, who played a pivotal role in the institute’s chartering.

Neliaku also shared the institute’s future plans, including the establishment of a Public Relations (PR) and Leadership University in Nasarawa State, and emphasized the growth and strategic importance of PR personnel in effective national communication.

Additionally, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Malagi, represented by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, assured continued partnership with NIPR to support the federal government’s national value chain policy.