By Mustapha Salisu
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has commended Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his exceptional commitment to people-oriented projects and inclusive governance.
This commendation came during an inspection visit by the NIPR Governing Council on Tuesday to assess Governor Yusuf’s suitability for investiture as a Patron of the professional body.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, on Wednesday.
The NIPR, a non-profit professional organization established to regulate public relations practice in Nigeria, promotes high standards of professional conduct and ethical engagement across sectors.
During the tour conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the NIPR delegation visited several key project sites showcasing the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal, community development, and economic empowerment.
At the Dan Agundi Flyover, Dr. Neliaku expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that the project, upon completion, would ease traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility. He pledged to return for the inauguration of the completed project.
The NIPR team, accompanied by the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmad, engaged the project managers on technical and sustainability details, which were satisfactorily explained.
The delegation also visited the multi-billion-naira Bulbula Erosion Control Project in Nassarawa Local Government Area, where significant progress has been made to tackle environmental degradation.
Responding to inquiries, the Governor’s Spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, explained that the project would enhance transportation, improve access to healthcare facilities, and contribute to curbing social vices such as drug abuse among youths.
At Kwankwasiyya City, the Managing Director of the Kano Housing Corporation, Alhaji Abdullahi Rab’u, informed the visitors that the estate comprises over 500 housing units, with the government ensuring the provision of modern infrastructure to guarantee comfort for residents.
He added that occupants are expected to meet their financial commitments or risk revocation of allocation.
The team later stopped at the Gwarzo Garment Centre, where over 100 young men and women were undergoing vocational training in tailoring and garment production, a testament to the administration’s investment in human capital development.
At Challawa/Goje Dam, Karaye Local Government Area, the delegation was received by the Commissioner of Power, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, who briefed them on the near-completion of a 6-megawatt power plant that is expected to significantly boost electricity supply across the state.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Dr. Neliaku remarked that Governor Yusuf’s initiatives transcend physical infrastructure, emphasizing social inclusion and community ownership.
“We are immensely impressed by the governor’s dedication to projects that directly impact citizens and make them active participants in the state’s progress,” he stated.
“This aligns perfectly with the core principles of public relations, which is about building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics.”
Dr. Neliaku added that the NIPR Council would consider the findings of the inspection in determining the governor’s formal investiture as a Patron of the Institute. He emphasized that the visit underscores NIPR’s commitment to recognizing leaders who uphold transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.