Preparatory to commencement of work at the proposed site of University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL), a project of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Institute has engaged with traditional leaders and other key stakeholders in Gudi community in Nasarawa State, where 101 hectares of land has been donated for the take-off of the project.
It would be recalled that Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, has made available the landed property in a prime location in Gudi, where construction work is expected to commence soon, as NIPR aims to matriculate the first set of UPRL students in November 2026 when Nigeria will host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
Leading a delegation of elders and senior members of NIPR on a visit to the traditional ruler of Gudi, Sarkin Gudi, HRH, Alh. Sule Bawa on April 25, 2025, the President, Chairman of Council of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the engagement becomes necessary to establish friendly relations with host communities ahead of the project take-off.
"We have come to seek your royal blessing, not just as the king of this community, but as our landlord because our university will be located in your community. We are here to ask you to support us, along with members of your traditional council. This is a project that will bring so much value to Gudi in particular and Nasarawa State in general. We also want to, through you, thank the governor again, for being a visionary leader, who saw this opportunity and never allowed it to slip", he said.
The President also appreciated the governor for releasing his Director General on Strategic Communication and Events, Malam Yakubu Lamai, to serve as co-chairman of National Planning Committee of World Public Relations Forum coming up next year.
In his remarks, the Sarkin Gudi, who expressed gratitude to the Institute for choosing Nasarawa to cite the UPRL, gave assurance of the community's readiness to host the facility.
According to the traditional who has been on the throne for five decades, his kingdom is ready to back any project that will project Nasarawa and Gudi to the world.
Earlier, the NIPR delegation had also met with Chun Mada of Akwanga, Nasarawa State, HRH Samson Gamu Yare, where the President commended the traditional ruler for his quality leadership and service to his community in the last 12 years.
He also intimated the Chun Mada of some programmes initiated by the Institute, including the University of Public Relations and Leadership, which will be cited in the his neighbouring community.
The Chun Mada of Akwanga appreciated the delegation for choosing Akwanga as venue for its ongoing retreat and pledged the commitment of his kingdom to support the Institute's university project.