NIPR Decorates Governor Sule as Patron Following Nasarawa's Reputation Surge to 83%
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has honored Nasarawa State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Sule, as its patron, citing a remarkable turnaround in the state's governance perception. According to NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, an independent subnational perception survey revealed that Nasarawa's reputation index skyrocketed from 30.4 per cent in 2024 to 83.6 per cent in 2026, a significant achievement attributed to deliberate reforms and transparency.
Independent Surveys Highlight Dramatic Improvement
During the investiture ceremony held in Abuja, Neliaku disclosed that the institute's 2024 survey ranked Nasarawa among the lowest-performing states in Nigeria, with a score of just 30.4 per cent. The findings were presented to Governor Sule, who acknowledged the gaps in governance and committed to implementing reforms. "I recall very clearly your face. You did not show anger as some wouldn't want to," Neliaku remarked, praising the governor's humble response.
In 2026, NIPR conducted a follow-up survey without the knowledge or input of the state government, ensuring integrity and objectivity. The results showed a sharp improvement, with Nasarawa achieving an 83.6 per cent rating. Neliaku emphasized that this enhancement stems from the administration's responsiveness to public concerns and commitment to good governance, stating, "Reputation remains a critical asset in leadership."
Governor Sule's Commitment to Leadership and Innovation
In his response, Governor Sule expressed his strong interest in NIPR, driven by its focus on leadership, innovation, and capacity building. He described the recognition as a leadership prize with more weight than routine awards, highlighting the importance of effective leadership in translating Nigeria's vast potential into sustainable development. "I have always wanted to understand what NIPR represents, and I discovered that it promotes innovation and leadership," Sule noted.
The governor also highlighted his partnership with NIPR to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja, which is expected to attract over 3,000 participants globally, further showcasing his dedication to advancing public relations practices.
Praise and Recommendations from Stakeholders
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, commended Governor Sule for investing in the next generation of public relations practitioners, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's vision of building a competent professional class. Rotimi urged the governor to deepen efforts in addressing gender imbalance in governance, particularly in elective positions, to encourage more women's participation in parliament.
Special Adviser to the Ugandan President and International Director-General of the Institute for National Transformation, Prof Vincent Anibogu, called for reforms in Nigeria's education system to produce graduates with practical problem-solving skills. He urged Nasarawa State to sustain its reforms and create an enabling environment for investment and human capital development.
This event underscores the critical role of public relations in shaping governance and national discourse, with Nasarawa State serving as a model for improvement through transparency and reform.
