Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for promoting inclusive reputation management and highlighting developmental initiatives at the subnational level to strengthen Nigeria’s national image.
Fintiri made the commendation on Thursday in Yola during the 38th Dr. Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture, describing the institute as a credible partner in reshaping the country’s narratives and promoting its development efforts.
The governor said hosting the lecture in Adamawa provided an opportunity to showcase the state’s achievements to national and international audiences while attracting tourism, investment and strategic partnerships.
He said, “For us as a government, hosting the 38th Dr. Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture is not just about hosting another event. It is an opportunity to show the world what we have achieved in the last seven years in the areas of Infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, poverty alleviation, wealth creation, among others.”
The event featured a lecture by the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh, who called on public office holders and other leaders to prioritise projects that deliver lasting benefits to citizens.
Momoh praised the vision of Dr. Sam Epelle, the first president of the NIPR, whose efforts contributed to the establishment of the professional body for public relations and communication management.
Speaking on the theme, “Narratives that Build Nations in Diversity: Public Relations, Leadership and Future of Nigeria,” he said Epelle’s legacy continued to endure because of his tangible contributions to the public relations profession.
The media executive stressed that public relations should go beyond publicity and help build trust between institutions and the people they serve.
“Public relations should help close the distance between institutions and the people they serve. It should help leaders listen before they speak, understand before they announce, and act before they advertise,” Momoh said.
He urged leaders across different levels of government to use their positions and influence to advance sustainable development and leave behind projects that improve citizens’ lives.
Earlier, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the ongoing transformation in Adamawa as a development story deserving wider national and international recognition.
Neliaku encouraged Fintiri to use the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) to showcase his administration’s achievements and promote the state’s economic opportunities to a global audience.
He disclosed that an inspection of major projects across Adamawa by the NIPR Council revealed progress in infrastructure delivery and governance.
According to him, the governor’s investiture as a patron of the institute was based on his administration’s performance.
The lecture brought together stakeholders in public relations, leadership and governance to discuss how strategic communication, responsible leadership and inclusive narratives can contribute to national development and strengthen Nigeria’s reputation.
