The colourful ceremony featured a formal procession and the exchange of gifts between the NIPR delegation and the Cross River State Government.
By Our Reporter
Pursuant to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Act, CAP N114 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, and in line with Byelaw No. 2, Section 4, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been formally invested as Patron of the Institute in the state.
The investiture ceremony took place on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar.
Dr Ike Neliaku, Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council and National President, led the delegation and performed the investiture. He described the occasion as a celebration of a leader who deeply values humanity and consistently strives to enhance it through purposeful governance.
Neliaku commended Governor Otu’s impressive record, particularly his focus on “projects with economic value” in critical areas such as education, road infrastructure, and other developmental initiatives. He emphasised that the NIPR is a reputation-driven professional body that does not bestow its honours lightly.
“We are delighted to perform this ceremony because we are a reputation-driven Institute and we don’t throw our reputation around. Instead, we look out for those who are reputation-driven and ready to champion their course,” Dr Neliaku stated.
He further explained that Public Relations is both an art and a science, involving the monitoring and analysis of trends, the prediction of potential consequences, counselling of leaders, and the implementation of strategic actions for the benefit of citizens and society at large.
The NIPR President also stressed the importance of mutual coexistence, noting that when leaders truly understand the power of relationships, conflicts naturally diminish. He reminded Governor Otu that his role as Patron positions him as a guiding light for the Institute in Cross River State, tasked with promoting its code of ethics, upholding professional standards, and fostering a more reputation-conscious society that respects the dignity, pride, and cultural heritage of all people.
In his response, Governor Otu expressed profound gratitude to the NIPR for the honour. He reaffirmed his core philosophy: “In everything I do, humanity comes first.” He welcomed the investiture as an opportunity to receive additional wisdom and insight, adding that “it is only humanity that would survive even in heaven.”
The governor emphasised the crucial role of perception and relationships in effective leadership. He urged all stakeholders to continually expand the frontiers of human values and promote peaceful coexistence and interaction.
While acknowledging that his administration has made significant strides across various sectors of the economy, Governor Otu admitted ongoing challenges in the transportation sub-sector. He assured citizens that a comprehensive policy to address these issues would be unveiled soon.
The visibly elated governor, who recently received three prestigious awards from academic institutions and media organisations, called on members of the public to remain vigilant in safeguarding the nation’s reputation in whatever capacity or location they find themselves.
The colourful ceremony featured a formal procession and the exchange of gifts between the NIPR delegation and the Cross River State Government.