By Gladys Ekwu
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has said thst the passenger, cargo Airport, the International Conference Centre and the Sports Stadium Projects that are on-going in the state are being constructed without borrowing any money from anywhere.
Governor Obiano said this at the 2021 Reputation/Awards Summit of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) organised by the Anambra State Chapter at Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotels, Awka, the Anambra state capital.
Chief Obiano who spoke through the commissioner for information and puth enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said the projects are on the verge of completion, adding that they were being executed using the state’s revenues.
He said: `We are working toward inaugurating the Passengers/Cargo Airport at Umueri, without borrowing a kobo from anywhere.
“Hopefully, in two months we shall have the biggest conference centre in Africa.
“Our sports stadium project is progressing, all without borrowings.’’
The governor thanked NIPR Anambra State chapter for making good image of Anambra state, while asking for continuity.
He recounted his support to NIPR in the past, pledging to continue.
President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo represented by Dr. Ike Neriaku urged the NIPR members to work hard to rewrite narratives of Nigeria’s reputation as th image has gone sour. This is occasioned by insecurity.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Uche Nworah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS), extolled the NIPR Anambra State Chapter for the right choice of a theme: “Security Challenges in Nigeria: Implications for National Stability and Reputation’’.
He described the theme as apt, a good tool to managing insecurity problems in Nigeria.
The Chairman NIPR, Anambra State Chapter, Prof. Stella Okunna while welcoming guests to the summit said: “It is my delight seeing you all in this occasion. It is a meeting to tackle security challenges facing us as a country.
“Everyone ought to sit up and work hard in helping out. It is wrong to run to developed countries, where people were able to stand up to their challenges and built their countries.
`Let us sit back and face challenges in building our own country.’’
A council member of the body, Rev. Fr. Prof B A C Obiefuna, noted that a problem facing the management of public relations is the misuse of public relations practitioners.
He advised government at all levels to appoint members of NIPR into Public Relations Offices.
“It is he that is putting on shoe that knows where it pinches. Members of NIPR are trained in the field of public relations. They attend refresher courses often, symposiums to update their knowledge.’’
“So, using quacks instead of NIPR members in public relations offices is tantamount to misuse. It does not only make mockery of professionalism but distorts the Publics harmonious relationship.
