NIPR Invests Governor Otu As Patron, Commends Commitment To Ethical Leadership

By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has been invested as a Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in recognition of his leadership and adherence to values-driven governance and in what the Council said was in line with the provisions of the NIPR Act CAP N114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The investiture ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Calabar, was performed by the Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council and National President, Dr. Ike Neliaku.

Neliaku said the institute was in the state not only to honour a leader, but to celebrate a man committed to humanity and value-driven governance. He commended Governor Otu for initiating what he described as “projects with economic value” across critical sectors, including education, roads, and infrastructure.

“We are delighted to perform this ceremony because we are a reputation-driven institute. We do not throw our reputation around; rather, we identify and align with individuals who are equally committed to upholding and advancing it,” he stated.

The NIPR President noted that Governor Otu’s new role as Patron imposes on him the responsibility of serving as a guiding light in promoting the institute’s code of ethics, professional standards, and commitment to building a reputation-conscious society that respects the dignity of all.

Responding, Governor Otu expressed gratitude to the institute for the honour, reiterating that humanity remains central to his leadership philosophy.

“In everything I do, humanity comes first. Today, you have reminded me that it is only humanity that will endure,” he said.

The governor emphasized the importance of perception and relationships in governance, urging citizens to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect. He acknowledged that while his administration has made efforts across various sectors, challenges remain in transportation, assuring that policies are being developed to address them.

Governor Otu, who recently received multiple recognitions from academic institutions and media organizations, also encouraged Nigerians to uphold integrity and safeguard the nation’s reputation in their respective spheres.

The ceremony featured a formal investiture procession and exchange of gifts between the institute and the state government.

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