NIPR HONOURS TOP LASG FUNCTIONARIES

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter, has honoured four top functionaries of the Lagos State Government for their remarkable impact in the advancement of the Institute’s core values and principles.

The officials, who were honoured at a special dinner held by the Institute, included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Sina Thorpe; Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Akosile; the Executive Assistant, New Media & Public Relations, Mr. Olusegun Fafore and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora and Foreign Relations, Mr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the event held at Ikeja Business Club, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, Thorpe explained that the occasion was a celebration of excellence and professionalism that the administration has brought to bear across all sectors of the State.

He affirmed that the awards bestowed on the beneficiaries by NIPR attests to the fact that Lagos State Government attracts a crop of officials who drive its good governance mandate and can confidently contribute their own quota to the development of their professions.

“As an institution that has an inclination for excellence and standard, the prospect of attracting proficient individuals in various professions to deliver the best services is huge. This is how prominent cities build”, he submitted.

The Permanent Secretary, however, urged the body not to hesitate in assisting government efforts in promoting sustainable development, submitting that the door of government is always open for initiatives and concepts that will make the Greater Lagos attainable.

While appreciating the Institute for being an ally of the government in its developmental projects, Thorpe gave assurance of continuous support towards achieving its set goals and objectives.

Earlier in his address, the NIPR President, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo, averred that Lagos State Government is a distinct institution that prioritises excellence in its operations as evident in its policy formulation and implementation.

Saluting the officers for their commitment to excellence, Sirajo said “The government is fortunate to have identified these crop of respectable Public Relations experts to lead its information system. It is evidently one of the right decisions of the present administration in its journey towards a Greater Lagos”.

He congratulated the recipients for their impeccable performance and thanked the State government for granting approval to induct about 200 of its Public Affairs Officers as members of the Institute.

While presenting the awards, Sirajo implored the four officials and other members of the Institute to always ensure excellence and professionalism is brought to bear in the discharge of duties.

The event also witnessed the celebration of five members of the Institute who recently bagged Doctorate degrees in public relations discipline.

A former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi; the Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Mr. Olusegun McMedal, members of the NIPR Governing Council and officials of the Lagos State Government were also present at the occasion.