Adeniyi Seeks Support for NIPR Secretariat Ahead of World PR Forum

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger support towards the completion of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) National Secretariat project in Abuja, describing it as a national edifice the public relations profession deserves.

A statement made available to journalists on Friday said Adeniyi made the call during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the NIPR National Secretariat, known as “Public Relations Place,” located within the premises of Radio House, Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Customs boss expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the site, noting that the public relations profession had contributed immensely to nation-building and the growth of many professionals in the country.

According to him, stakeholders and practitioners must now rally support for the completion of a befitting national secretariat for the Institute.

“PR has done a lot for many of us. It has given us opportunities and platforms to serve, and it has made many of us what we are today. This is the time for us to give something back to the profession,” Adeniyi said.

He described the project as a major milestone for the profession and expressed confidence in the leadership of the Institute and members of the project committee overseeing the construction.

“This is very commendable. There is still a long way to go, but we have the right people to drive this project to completion,” he stated.

Adeniyi also appealed to corporate organisations, government institutions and friends of the profession to support the project ahead of the World Public Relations Forum expected to hold in Nigeria later this year.

“We are hosting the world before the end of the year, and this project will be a good gift from Nigeria to the global PR family. Every support towards its completion will be welcome,” he added.

The CGC further assured stakeholders that he would continue mobilising support for the project within and outside the profession.

The statement recalled that Adeniyi, a Fellow of the NIPR, is the immediate past Vice President of the Institute.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Muhammad Bulama, described the project as a major development for the public relations profession and communication industry in Nigeria.

Bulama said Radio Nigeria released the land for the project after recognising the importance of the Institute to national development and public communication.

“To be very honest, I was initially sceptical. But today, we are seeing a massive structure rising here within a short period, and we are proud to host this important institution,” he said.

He also commended Adeniyi for his consistent support for the Institute and the project.

“I want to particularly thank the Comptroller-General of Customs for his support for this institution. He has remained deeply committed to this project,” Bulama stated.

Also speaking, the Vice President of the NIPR and Chairman of the Project Committee, Emmanuel Dandaura, said the Institute remained committed to delivering a befitting national secretariat for the profession.

Dandaura, who received the CGC on behalf of the President and Chairman of the Council of the Institute, Ike Neliaku, commended Adeniyi for supporting the vision behind the project.

He said the support and encouragement from respected professionals and institutions had strengthened the resolve of the project committee to ensure successful completion of the secretariat.

The inspection visit was attended by Fellows and members of the NIPR Governing Council, officials of the FRCN, members and engineers of the project committee, and other stakeholders in the communication and public relations sector.