BY: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Senator representing Cross River Central and PDP Gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming 2023 General elections, Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor has described the role of Public Relations as critical to shaping perspectives and nation building.
Onor, made the acknowledgment recently, while performing the foundation laying for the construction of the State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Image House at the Institute’s permanent site in Calabar.
He said, “you would not understand how valuable you are. You have played and continue to play a big role in the development of our State.”
“Whereas you mean so well even in the present and future of our efforts, not too much attention has been paid to you as an institute. We need to give you the attention that you deserve. Because, no matter what you do, if you are not placed in proper perspective and given the right packaging, you could do so much and very little will be recognized,” Sen. Onor continued.
Pledging his readiness to partner with NIPR, the PDP gubernatorial hopeful averred that “This Institute is critical, as we continue to make Cross River and Nigeria proud both within and outside of our shores. My pledge today is that I will partner with you now and when I become Governor, by God’s grace and the will of the good people of Cross River State,we will certainly partner with NIPR to complete this Secretariat.”
p
He concluded his remarks with a hearty congratulations to the Cross River NIPR for attaining the remarkable feat of golden jubilee and the foundation laying for a secretariat of its own.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion,High Chief Edem Duke, congratulated members of the Institute for the privilege of celebrating the 50th anniversary of an organization as prestigious as NIPR in the State.
The former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation stated that as a professional body saddled with the responsibility of image laundering, members must pride themselves as playing a critical role for society’s good.
Duke, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, highlighted the mass exodus of the country’s best brains abroad, poor leadership, and other social issues as dire Public Relations problems, challenging Public Relations Practitioners to wake up to their professional responsibilities of shaping opinions and setting standards.
Also in his welcome address, the State Chairman, NIPR,Cross River State chapter, Mr Benedict Okache welcomed dignitaries to the 2022 Annual General Meeting, 26th Edwin Eja Memorial Lecture, 50th Anniversary celebrations and foundation laying for the State Chapter’s Image House Project as well as presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians who have made invaluable contributions to the growth of society and service to humanity, noting that this year’s edition, themed ‘Cross River NIPR AT 50: A Giant Jinxed to a Standstill or Toddler Growing Aglow,” was special and unique, being the first under his leadership as State Chairman.
He said in the year under review, his leadership team has made deliberate efforts, through courtesy visits and massive sensitization, towards the actualization of giving the Institute greater visibility, institutionalizing professionalism and excellence in the Chapter.
The State Chairman, who noted that although NIPR is not yet where it ought to be, reaffirmed his Chapter’s determination to continue to “strive diligently to take Public Relations to the highest pedestal in both public and private sectors of the State.”
In an expository and scholarly lecture on the theme “A Giant Jinxed to a Standstill or Toddler Growing Aglow,” Social and Behavior Change Expert, Development Communication and Corporate Culture Management Consultant, Mr. Fayman Omini, summarily described NIPR at 50 as a “giant making steady progress.”
The event climaxed with foundation laying for the Chapter’s Image House by Senator Sandy Ojang Onor and presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians, notably, Consultant Physician, Community Medicine and Medical Director, Arubah Specialist Hospital, Calabar, Dr. Okechukwu Henry Ukweh, Sir Arhur Javis Archibong, Chancellor of Arthur Javis University, Chief Uduma U Ezera, CEO of UDDY KING Group and Dr. Daniel Nwanneka Chukwudozie, Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, among other award recipients.
