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IBB lauds NIPR management for upholding mission, vision of Institute
Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for upholding the mission and vision of establishing the Institute by his defunct administration.
Babangida stated this when he received the members of NIPR led by its National President, Dr Ike Neliaku, on a courtesy in his residence in Minna on Saturday.
The visit was part of the activities lined up to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the institute.
Babangida explained that NIPR was the only institute that had brought its wisdom to bear in the affairs of the nation.
“I have always believed that we have to write a new narrative for this great country, I want to commend NIPR for trying to provide a better society for all.
“The institute’s strength has gone high, as time goes by, our society will be a place that everybody will be proud to belong,” he said.
According to him, wherever he goes, he always advocates that other countries should copy what NIPR is doing.
Babangida congratulated the institute for being steadfast in implementing what the country expected from them to do, adding that he was proud that NIPR was living to expectations.
Earlier, Neiliaku said the visit was part of the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the institute that was established in 1963,
He added that IBB gave the institute a law which had become the strongest enforcement in public relations all over the world 34 years ago.
“The child you gave to us 34 years ago became 60 years old in 2023, but because of the general elections, we couldn’t celebrate last year and I will like to inform you that your efforts and sacrifice are not in vain,” he said.
The NIPR boss said that the institute had initiated the ‘Rebirth Nigeria’, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Neliaku said that the programme was established on four pillars of citizens’ education, value reorientation, promotion of made- in- Nigeria goods and services as well as the promotion of service delivery.
He disclosed that the institute was establishing a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nasarawa State and had already gotten support from the state government.
In the same vein, the members had earlier visited the Emir of Minna, Dr Farouk Bahago, to solicit for the royal father’s support, adding that the institute attached greater importance to the traditional institutions.
Responding, Bahago thanked the institute for recognising the traditional institutions and the vital roles they play in the country.
Also, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has applauded the foresight of Babangida in signing the 1990 Decree that gave birth to the Chartered of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations NIPR in the country.
Bago, represented by Alhaji Abubakar Salisu, Head of Service, appealed to NIPR to support the ‘New Niger Agenda’ that cuts across infrastructural development, provision of security and agricultural revolution for food security.
Also, the Minister of Information, Allaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Jibrin Ndace, Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), said he aligned with the vision of the institute in shaping the society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the activities for the 60th anniversary commenced with a road walk and planting of sixty trees at the three arms zone in Minna.(NAN
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
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Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.