NIPR Honours Fintiri as Patron at Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture in Adamawa

NIPR Honours Fintiri as Patron at Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture in Adamawa

By Semen Isaiah Lerum

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has honoured Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, by appointing him Patron of the institute at the Dr Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture held in Yola.

The event brought together government officials, public relations practitioners, media professionals and other stakeholders to celebrate the legacy of Dr Sam Epelle, the institute’s founding president, while examining the role of ethical communication, leadership and public trust in national development.

In his welcome address, Adamawa State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Leader Leneke  welcomed the NIPR delegation and other guests to the state, describing Adamawa as a land of rich cultural diversity and vast potential.

He expressed appreciation to the institute for selecting Adamawa as the host of the lecture, describing the decision as a historic moment for the state.

The commissioner said the presence of the institute and the recognition of Governor Fintiri reflected the state’s development efforts, particularly in education, healthcare, urban renewal and poverty alleviation.

He highlighted the administration’s investments in education, including free education policies, the establishment of model schools and additional science schools, as well as scholarship opportunities for students.

According to him, the government’s urban renewal projects, including flyovers and improved road networks, have transformed the appearance of Yola and improved movement within the state capital.

He also cited developments in healthcare infrastructure, including the upgrading of health facilities and improvements in healthcare services, as part of efforts to improve residents’ welfare.

The commissioner acknowledged that more work remained to be done but described the NIPR’s decision to bring the lecture to Yola and honour the governor as a source of encouragement for the state government.

He congratulated the institute on the successful organisation of the lecture and Governor Fintiri on his recognition.

Fintiri Highlights Development Efforts

In his address, Governor Fintiri described Adamawa’s hosting of the lecture as an opportunity to showcase the state’s development and promote its potential for investment, hospitality and tourism.

The governor, who welcomed members of the NIPR Governing Council and other participants to Yola, said the decision to select Adamawa was an opportunity to demonstrate the progress recorded by his administration in urban renewal, rural infrastructure, education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.

He explained that the event offered the state an opportunity to strengthen its position on Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism map and attract conferences, exhibitions and other major gatherings.

The governor also highlighted the construction of an international conference centre, which he said would provide additional opportunities for the state to host major national and international events upon completion.

He maintained that investment promotion must be supported by adequate infrastructure, including good roads, a clean environment, tourism facilities and other amenities capable of attracting investors.

According to him, the transformation of Yola and the development of infrastructure across the state were part of efforts to create a more conducive environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

Fintiri also disclosed that work was ongoing to complete the long-awaited stadium project and develop an amusement park to expand recreational opportunities in the state.

He described the NIPR event as an opportunity to give wider publicity to Adamawa’s development efforts, noting that public relations practitioners had an important responsibility to communicate development outcomes to the public.

The governor urged participants to explore the state and share their experiences with wider audiences.

He subsequently declared the lecture open.

Momoh Advocates Ethical Communication

The keynote address was delivered by the Chairman of Channels Television, Dr John Momoh, who reflected on the history of the NIPR, the legacy of its founding president, Dr Sam Epelle, and the importance of professionalism in public communication.

Momoh recalled that Epelle, while serving as Director of Information, recognised the need for a structured professional body to advance public information and communication practice in Nigeria.

He said Epelle and his colleagues took steps in 1963 to establish an organisation that would eventually evolve into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

According to him, Epelle’s contribution went beyond establishing a professional institution, as he helped lay the foundation for a profession that requires skill, integrity, responsibility and purpose.

Momoh said the annual memorial lecture provided an opportunity to reflect on the institute’s origins and renew its commitment to ethical communication and professional excellence.

He stressed that public confidence was earned through responsible leadership, credible information and quality service rather than publicity alone.

The keynote speaker also encouraged public relations practitioners to reflect on the stories their conduct and professional decisions communicated to the public.

He challenged practitioners to uphold ethical standards and recognise the responsibility that came with shaping public perception, particularly as Nigeria prepared to engage with international audiences at major events.

Stakeholders Commend Governor

Goodwill messages at the event featured commendations for Governor Fintiri and the NIPR.

Speaking during the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State,Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, described Fintiri as a gender-friendly leader and welcomed the NIPR delegation to Adamawa State.

Other speakers, including the chairman of the occasion, His Royal Majesty Dr  Daniel Shaga Ismaila the Hama Bachama, congratulated the governor and commended the institute for recognising his contributions to the state.

The chairman also praised the NIPR for its role in strengthening professional communication and acknowledged the contributions of its members to public service and national development.

He recalled working with members of the institute during his years in public service and said their professional contributions had made a significant impact.

Also speaking  All Progressives Congress (APC) govership flag bearer , Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani congratulated the governor on his recognition, describing the honour as well deserved.

He said Fintiri had laid a solid foundation for Adamawa’s development and expressed confidence that the governor’s legacy would continue to inspire others.

The President of SANO, Haruna Mohammed, also congratulated the governor, urging him to sustain his efforts towards transforming the state.

Similarly, the President of RATTAWU, Prince Emeka Kalu, commended the administration for its achievements, while the Vice-President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) congratulated both the governor and the NIPR on the occasion.

NIPR Celebrates Founding President’s Legacy

The Dr Sam Epelle Memorial Gold Paper Lecture is an annual programme organised by the NIPR in honour of its founding president.

The lecture provides a platform for public relations practitioners, policymakers, media professionals and other stakeholders to discuss issues relating to communication, leadership, public trust and national development.

The institute’s decision to hold the event in Adamawa State brought national professional attention to Yola and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the relationship between governance, development and effective public communication.

The occasion concluded with congratulations to the NIPR and Governor Fintiri, whose investiture as Patron was presented as recognition of his administration’s development efforts.