Uba Sani bags NIPR fellowship, named World PR Forum Ambassador

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has been conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and named Ambassador of the World Public Relations Forum, in recognition of his record of public service and governance.

The investiture, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, was presided over by NIPR National President Dr Ike Neliaku, who said the institute exercises strict care in selecting those who bear its brand.

“The honouree must have demonstrated that he has something to offer the citizens, something to offer the nation, something to offer your people. And from our record, Your Excellency, you have met those requirements,” Dr Neliaku said, noting that the entire NIPR council from across Nigeria was present for the occasion.

The NIPR president cited the ongoing reconstruction of Sokoto Road leading to the Government House as one example of the governor’s concrete impact, noting that the road had not been touched since it was last worked on in 1999 — a gap of 27 years.

Dr Neliaku drew a distinction between the governor’s statutory role as NIPR state patron — a position conferred on all governors by the institute’s enabling act — and the Fellowship, which he described as a personal honour that endures beyond the holder’s time in office.

On the Ambassador designation, Dr Neliaku said the leadership of the Global Alliance — under whose auspices the World Public Relations Forum operates — had approved the conferment.

“In the 136 countries where Global Alliance functions, you have a right to enter any of the countries and tell them that you are an ambassador of WPRF and doors will open to you,” he said.

The NIPR president also announced that Nigeria will host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja from November 15 to 21, coinciding with the 37th conference of the African Public Relations Association.

He said representatives from more than 126 countries are expected to attend, and that President Bola Tinubu has accepted to serve as Chief Host of the event.

Responding, Governor Uba Sani accepted the Fellowship with what he described as humility and a sense of responsibility, framing the honour as a charge to remain committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical communication in public office.

He also confirmed that Kaduna State is prepared to host the 3rd NIPR Week, describing it as an opportunity to contribute to national discourse and showcase the state’s commitment to dialogue and inclusive development.