…Receives NIPR Award
Date: 21 July, 2026
By Abraham Ovuoba
ABAKALIKI – The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, Commandant Nnadi Francis Chika, said effective public relations is vital to tackling insecurity, stressing that misinformation and poor communication could worsen security challenges.
Commandant Chika stated this on Tuesday at the NSCDC State Headquarters, Abakaliki, while receiving an Award of Honour from the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ebonyi State Chapter, in recognition of his leadership, peace advocacy, security, community development and nation-building.
Describing the award as both a recognition of his service and a challenge to do more, the Commandant said the honour affirmed the command’s commitment to effective service delivery.
“I didn’t know our administration was being watched by outsiders. This award tells me that our efforts are being noticed. It is not just a recognition but a challenge to work even harder. Whenever you are honoured, it simply means you should go and do more”.
He thanked the institute, , for the recognition and urged public relations practitioners to uphold professional ethics by promoting balanced reportage and accurate information.
According to him, effective public relations remains an integral component of security management because misinformation and poorly managed communication can fuel insecurity.
“When you see something, say something. Support security agencies, appreciate them when they do well and constructively point out where improvement is needed. Public relations is key because information that is not properly managed can lead to insecurity. My office remains open for collaboration with the institute,”
Speaking, the Chairman of NIPR Ebonyi State Chapter, Dr. Agatha Orji-Egwu, said the award was in recognition of the Commandant’s outstanding leadership, security contributions, peace advocacy and commitment to nation-building.
She commended security agencies for sustaining peace in Ebonyi State and urged them to remain committed despite prevailing security challenges.
“It is not easy to be a leader. The security agencies are doing their best, especially here in Ebonyi State where peace has largely been maintained. They should continue working harder because security requires continuous commitment”.
“Fake news has always existed and will continue to exist, but public relations practitioners must be proactive in changing the narrative because our profession is founded on truth and full information,” she stated.
Earlier, the Assistant Secretary of the institute and Head of Department, Mass Communication Department, Ebonyi State University, Dr. Simon Nwankwo, described the award recipient as a man of valour, courage and discipline while reading his citation before the presentation.
The event saw both the NSCDC and NIPR reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace through strategic communication and ethical information management.
