Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has sought stronger partnership with Turkiye to boost the economy of the nation’s capital city.
Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike made the call when the Turkiye Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, visited him in Abuja, yesterday.
Wike explained that the partnership, particularly with Istanbul, would improve the economic relations of the two countries.
“I know that there are a lot of Turkish nationals who are here carrying out one business or the other.
“It is our intention to provide a free environment where our citizens, Turkish and other nationals would carry out their businesses,” he said.
Wike commended the envoy for fast-tracking the process of obtaining Turkiye visa by businessmen and women in the FCT, as well as other parts of the country.
This, according to him, will ease travels for economic engagements.
The minister pointed out that the economic relationship between Turkiye and Nigeria has been very cordial, stressing the need to strengthen it for mutual benefits.
Earlier, Poroy underscored the need to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Nigeria for economic benefits.
He explained the ease of accessing the visa by business men and women to travel easily would significantly increase bilateral relations.
The envoy said, “This is an important first step to facilitate people-to-people, businessman-to-businessman contact between the two countries and of course, we are working with relevant ministries and institutions.”
35th Anniversary: NIPR To Plant Trees, Donate Books, Nurture Youths
Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter, Mr Stanley Ogadigbo said the chapter will plant trees, donate books and nurture young minds to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
Ogadigbo made this known at a news conference to herald the series of activities rolled out for the celebration yesterday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the theme of the event is: “Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding.”
According to him, 35 years is not just a number, but a testament to dedication, resilience and the unwavering commitment of public relations professionals.
Ogadigbo said public relations professionals had made Abuja not just Nigeria’s capital city, but a beacon of excellence in strategic communication and reputation management.
“Our anniversary theme, “Leadership for Inclusive Development and Nation Branding,” was carefully chosen to reflect the prime role leadership plays in the development of the society and nation building.
“It emphasises the new narrative of public relations as a leadership function, which is championed by the global body of public relations.
“This anniversary is not about us celebrating ourselves. It is about giving back to the society that has nurtured us,” he said.
The chairman explained that the chapter under him had carefully designed a series of impactful programmes that would leave lasting legacies within its Abuja community.
“These programmes include tree planting, environmental sanitation, book donations to the National Assembly Library, nurturing young minds through essay, debate, and paper presentation competitions,” Ogadigbo said.
He explained that there would also be a professional workshop on November 25 with the theme: “Strategic Communication and Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI.”
According to Ogadigbo, the workshop will feature distinguished speakers such as Professor Rotimi Oladele (former NIPR President); Mrs Nkiru Olumide-Ojo from Standard Bank Group, and AI expert, Mr Celestine Achi.
He said: “These sessions will equip our members with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, authentic leadership, and strategic storytelling for nation branding.
“Also, we will conduct a free PR workshop for undergraduates at the University of Abuja, focusing on “Building Reputation in the Digital Age” on Nov. 26.
“Students from other universities will join too. This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to the next generation of communicators.
“The grand finale on November 27 will feature our Anniversary Conference and Annual General Meeting to be followed by a Dinner and Awards Session, themed, ‘Cerebrating the Hands that Built FCT’ at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre.”
He explained that the activities were aimed at honouring individuals and organisations that had contributed to the growth and development of Abuja as the nations capital.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Hajiya Lami Tumaka, said the events heralding the anniversary actually started on November 4.
Tumaka explained that Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State would serve as the Chairman of the occasion, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, would be the Chief Host.
She said other dignitaries who are expected to grace the occasion are the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, among others. (NAN)
