By Akpan David, Calabar
Competition hots up in Cross River State as the two leading political parties governorship candidates gear up to curry more supports and attentions from image moulders, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Governorship candidate of the state ruling party, Senator Bassey Otu Wednesday morning donated a Hi-tech 43″ 4k plasma TV to the NUJ press centre Calabar to enable the Journalists follow up with ongoing FIFA World Cup and political activities in the state.
Otu, represented by his media assistant, Barrister Akiba Ekpenyong said he had to redeem his earlier pledge when he visited them.
He reassured the journalists that he ever remains their friend and would ever extend his supports to their projects. i
Otu maintained that it is a confirmation of his respect for members of the fourth Estate of the realm who stand in defence of truth for the furtherance of democracy.
He added that the gift is in fulfilment of his promise.
Chairman of the NUJ Cross River State Council,. Comrade Nsa Gill commended the governorship candidate for redeeming the pledge, saying it is a timely gift from a good friend of the media.
Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Sandy Onor also laid the foundation stone for the NIPR Secretariat in Calabar to mark their golden jubilee.
Onor described the role of Public Relations practitioners as critical to shaping perspectives and nation building.
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 said.
He assured that, if he becomes Governor of the state next year, he will partner with them to complete the NIPR House.
Chairman of NIPR in the State, Mr Benedict Okache noted that although NIPR is not yet where it ought to be but they are determined to continue to “strive diligently to take Public Relations to the highest pedestal in both public and private sectors of the State.”
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.”
