By Kingsley Agim
Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong has tasked Public Relations Practitioners to exhibit utmost professionalism and make positive inputs towards nation building, especially now that the country is grappling with the forthcoming elections and the joys and pains of its democracy.
The Commissioner, who was represented by her Permanent Secretary, Mr. Aye Henshaw, gave the charge when she flagged off the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations' 2nd National Retreat for State Chairmen and Secretaries/Induction at the 520 Kolanut Conference Centre, Barracks Road, Calabar.
Mrs. Archibong commended NIPR for its objective of the retreat which is basically on introspection and looking for areas of strengths and weaknesses with the aim of providing solutions to situations.
The Information and Orientation Commissioner said as a custodian of the apparatus of government, she was elated to be part of the event, while expressing her Ministry's solidarity towards the success of NIPR in the State and readiness for future partnership with the body.
"We believe that some synergy exist between the NIPR and the Departments of Public Relations and trust that resources tapped from your wealth of experience will aid us grow our Ministry in terms of public relations practice," she concluded.
In his address, the President and Chairman Governing Council, Mallam Muktar Sirajo, who was represented by the Vice President, Comptroller Wale Adeniyi stated that the Institute's choice of Calabar as venue for the Retreat was because of its long history of peace, hospitality and cleanliness.
The President expressed deep gratitude to the Cross River Chapter of the Institute and Member of Council, Chief Akin Rickets for providing all the funds and wherewithal for the success of the retreat.
Mallam Sirajo restated his administration's promise of visionary leadership and capacity building of members of Institute as standard bearers and image makers of the various establishments.
The President said the programmes provides members the opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities they have been entrusted to shoulder, strengthen what can be done at Chapters and enhance the capacity of the Institute to create value for its members.
In another remark, Member of Governing Council, Cross River Chapter, Chief Akin Ricketts said the retreat timing is apt and appropriate as it is coming swiftly after the emergence of a new leadership at the National level in April, 2018.
Chief Ricketts said the retreat will provide a veritable platform for the various leaderships at the State levels of the Institute to join hands with the National leadership to chart a new course for the overall progress of the institute and development of her members in all sectors of Nigeria's development.
Earlier in her address, the Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter of NIPR, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong welcomed members to the State and thanked all who have contributed to the reality of the retreat.
Ntunkae Offiong recalled that the first retreat for Chairmen and Secretaries held in 2014 under the aegis of the national leadership, pointing out that Cross River Chapter of NIPR has blazed the trail for single-handedly organizing for the second retreat of such magnitude.
She thanked the President and Chairman Governing Council, Mallam Muktar Sirajo for granting the State the hosting right and Cross River Governing Council Member, Chief Akin Ricketts for single handedly funding the retreat.
The Chairman urged guests to make their time in Calabar worthwhile by savouring the assortment of rich cuisines, as well as visit tourist sites within the beautiful and ancient city called the 'paradise.'
The 3-day retreat will feature lectures from erudite scholars and public relations practitioners bothering on important subjects at 520 Kolanut Centre, Barracks Road, then climax with an induction ceremony on Wednesday at Trancorp Hotel, Calabar.
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