Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has recommitted to supporting the developmental trajectory of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in reshaping the fortunes of the state, saying the Institute's drive in setting a new paradigm of development is "very pivotal".

Gov. Sule said the decisive action of the professional body is significant in growing the nation's economy.

He disclosed this during the Annual General Meeting of the Nasarawa State Chapter of the Institute in Lafia.

Represented by his DG, Strategic Communication and Events Management, after congratulating the new elected executives, Mr. Yakubu Lamai, expressed pleasure on the decision of the Institute to site the Public Relations Finishing School in the state, an equivalent of the Nigerian Law School, added that promoting the image of the state is of great importance for the socio-economic and educational development of the country.

He explained that the Sule-led government's probity, transparency and accountability earned the state the largest allocation of the NG-CARES programme to reinvigorate local economy through the provision of rural roads and other basic amenities.

He promised to continue to support the Institute in its activities and programmes towards the inclusive development of every segment of the society.

The newly elected members are:

Cmptr. Joseph Oboshi Attah Rtd - Chairman. Mallam Mukhtar Wakeel - Vice Chairman. Deborah Ladi Dangara - Secretary. Sa'eed Mukhtar - Asst. Secretary. Hadiza Dahiru - Treasurer. Enoch Ali Maku - Financial Secretary. Muhammad M. Lawal - Auditor General and Alh. Ibrahim Onawo - PRO. With Dr. Louis Ogah, Dr. Ahmed Jibrin, Rayyanu Bala and Hajiya Saphia Ahmad as ex-officials respectively.

In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, stated that he has confidence in the integrity of the new leadership to deliver on its mandate in the next two years.

Dr. Neliaku congratulated the helmsmen of the Nasarawa Chapter, pledging to work closely with the state to attain his leadership aspirations in the country.

In his acceptance speech sworn in by the Registrar of the Institute, the State Chairman, Compt. Joseph O. Attah Rtd, thanked the members of the Chapter and leadership of the NIPR at the national level for giving them the opportunity to manage the affairs of the exalted Institute, noting that what they demonstrated in their short period of service had resulted into their election as substantive executive council.

He expressed belief that his administration of NIPR in the state will work towards effective leadership that will grow the membership capacity of the Chapter, encourage inclusion of young professionals, provide platform for professional education and improve government-public relations for purpose-driven growth.

Expounding on his leadership blueprint, the new sheriff of the NIPR was delighted to announce that he was able to succeed in the last three months' assignment due to the unswerving commitment of the members of the Presidential Resuscitation Committee which he headed.

He tasked government to ensure the speedy establishment of the NIPR Finishing School in the state, insisting that it will be a fundament of development in Nasarawa State owing to the state's nearness to the nation's seat of power, large number of PR professionals and the readiness of the state to explore ways for multi-sectoral advancement.

In a goodwill messages, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibrahim Angbolo and the Registrar of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Keana, Dr. Jameel Zakari vowed to accord more attention to the progress of the image-making profession, calling on them to live above board in their assigned task.

While giving the vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of the Chapter, Mukhtar Wakeel, appreciated the attendees for making the AGM more remarkable and historic as event.

There was a public lecture on the theme; Public Relations, Governance and Democratic Dividends which was delivered by Prof. Tyotom Keghku of the Benue State University, Makurdi.