NIPR Performs Investiture of Gov. Umo Eno as Patron


The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Thursday, May 22, 2025 held the investiture of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno as the Institute's patron in line with the Act establishing it, which designates governors as Patrons and the President as Grand Patron. 

The investiture took place in Uyo, the State capital, where the Institute also held its 2nd Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) from May 19—24 with the theme, “Solid Minerals: A Solid Path to Nigeria’s Sustainable Economic Recovery – The Challenge for Public Relations”. 

Speaking at the event which had over 1,000 delegates from across the country, President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku who was re-elected for a fresh term of two years, lauded the developmental initiatives of Governor Eno, acknowledging his role in promoting good governance and ethical leadership. 

He also intimated the governor with some of the upcoming programmes of the Institute, including the hosting of Wold Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in November 2026, a bid Nigeria won, becoming the second African country to host the Forum after South Africa. 

Dr. Neliaku reiterated the commitment of NIPR to continue championing a sustainable positive image for the country to boost investors' confidence, expressing hope that the WPRF 2026 will be an opportunity to showcase the nation's rich endowment to the global community. 
 
Governor Eno in his remarks thanked the leadership of NIPR for finding him worthy of the honour, assuring that he will abide by the code of conduct governing the Institute as its Patron. 

He also expressed the readiness of the State Government to partner with NIPR in driving its key programmes and policies for nation-building. 

Earlier, the President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, alongside Council Members, held a strategic meeting with the governor at Government House, Uyo where the governor urged NIPR leadership to continue changing the narratives for the country through strategic communication. 

Governor Eno said there was need for leaders in the country to be talked to politely, for them to be encouraged to do better, rather than degrading or always seeing them in a negative way irrespective of the volume of their good  effort to make the nation better.

"Let us encourage our leaders, and make them feel appreciated. Leadership is an onerous responsibility that should be supported and encouraged for better job delivery", he advised. 

NIPR team at the meeting were, the wife of the President, Mrs Oge Neliaku; the Vice President, Prof. Emmanuel S. Dandaura, and wife; Council Members; Dr. Sule Ya'u Sule, Mr. Akin Agbujelu, Mrs. Olubunmi Adedoyin Badejo, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, Brig. Gen. S.K. Usman (Rtd), Hajiya, Maryam Mohammed Sanusi, Mrs. Thelma Chika Okoh, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Kabir Ali Kobi, Pastor Paulinus Enyndah Nsirim, Prof. Sarah Benjamin Lwahas, Mr. Adaramola Temitope, Dr. Adewale Oladipo Oyekanmi, the Akwa Ibom State Chapter Chairman of NIPR, Elder Manasseh Umoette among others.