The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Cross River State Chapter, has commended the Commissioner for Lands, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, for his contributions to the transformation of the Ministry of Lands, describing his professional experience as an asset to effective land administration and public service.
The State Chairman of NIPR, Pastor Augustine Mboso, stated this recently when he led members of the Institute on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner, congratulating him on his appointment and commending his commitment to the development of the ministry.
Mboso described Ekpang as a distinguished member of NIPR whose professional experience and commitment to public service had continued to make the Institute proud. He said, “We are here to congratulate you on your appointment and also to appreciate the support you have continued to give to NIPR and its members.”
The NIPR chairman commended the transformation taking place in the Ministry of Lands, noting that Ekpang’s background in public relations and his previous service as Commissioner for Information had positioned him to bring valuable communication and leadership expertise to the land administration sector.
He recalled the Commissioner’s contributions while serving in the Ministry of Information and expressed optimism that his wealth of experience would continue to translate into positive developments in the Lands Ministry. He also disclosed the Institute’s plan to participate in the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Abuja.
Mboso described the forum as a major international gathering of public relations practitioners and appealed to the Commissioner to sustain his support for the Institute, while encouraging relevant officers in the Ministry of Lands to join NIPR and embrace professional communication.
Responding, Dr Ekpang thanked the NIPR delegation for the visit, describing the Institute as an important part of his professional journey. He said, “NIPR has contributed immensely to my professional development. My years in the Ministry of Information exposed me to the importance of communication, confidence and effective engagement with the media and the public.”
The Commissioner said his experience with NIPR had significantly strengthened his communication skills and prepared him for the demands of public service, adding that the lessons acquired over the years remained relevant to his current assignment as Commissioner for Lands.
According to him, “Public relations is not only about talking to the media; it is about understanding people, communicating government policies effectively and building confidence among stakeholders. That experience remains very useful in my present responsibility.”
Ekpang emphasised the importance of professionalism, teamwork and continuous capacity building among public servants, urging staff of the Ministry of Lands to uphold the standards expected of them and work collectively towards achieving the objectives of government.
He expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue contributing his quota to the development of the state, stressing that effective communication would remain central to the successful implementation of government policies and programmes.
By Affiong Ndem
