The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, on Wednesday, bagged Outstanding Chief Press Secretary award for his extraordinary role in promoting the ideals of Public Relations in Nigeria.
He received the award at the 2018 NIPR FCT Chapter AGM/conference at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
According to the Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Dr Tayo Haastrup, Mallam Ndace emerged winner in the Chief Press Secretary category “for effectively utilising his position as Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello to promote the image, goodwill, understanding, reputation and integrity of Nigeria.
The Chairman added that part of Ndace’s role in promoting PR in Nigeria was the establishment of FOSCIN “Forum of Spokespersons of Critical Institutions in Niger” a first of its kind forum in a state in Nigeria that has been able to create a coordinated approach to crisis and deployment of strategies during crisis management.
In his remark, the Chief Press Secretary appreciated the organisers for the honour as he opined that information management is a strategic function, if neglected could lead to crisis.
He further added that: “The honorific recognition, indeed for me, is a call to offer more dedicated, selfless and exceptional service to my Principal, the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, while also helping to project the chequered image of the media profession.
Other notable dignitaries awarded were Permanent Secretary(GSO), Office of the Secretary-General to the Federation, Mr Olusegun Adekunle, NYSC DG, Brigadier General SZ Kazaure (promoted Major General), DG NAPTIP Dame Julie Okai-Donli, DG NOSDRA Peter Idabor, Group Vice Chairman/CEO, abc shelters group Dr Ike Neliaku.
Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, an awarding-winning journalist and PR Man, was appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to the current Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello in November, 2015.
With a career in both Journalism and Public Relations spanning over a decade, Ndace has distinguished himself as a Public Affairs commentator, Media Consultant, Youth Vanguard and Peace Advocate; and carefully designated as one of the global change agents on countering violent extremism and hate speech within the social media space.
As spokesperson to Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello in the last 3 years, Jibrin Baba Ndace has issued over 250 press releases, responded timely to media inquiries and sustained effective media relations strategies.
As a PR practitioner, he remained a vocal advocate of PR principles at different forum, while canvassing for education, qualification, competence and experience for Spokespersons.
In an effort to establish a cordial relationship among security agencies as well as ensure coordination and management of security information in Niger state, Ndace spearheaded the formation of Forum of Spokespersons of Critical Institutions in Niger State, FOSCIN. The Forum within a year of its existence has been proactive in containing violent crimes and managing crisis in the state through deployment of appropriate Public Relations strategies. The membership of the forum includes Spokespersons of Military, security and response agencies. It is the first of its kind in any state in Nigeria.
Other achievements of Ndace include Media Review: (He initiated a daily media tracking for Print and Online Media. i.e. Newspapers, Online News platforms.), Branding of the NigGovMediaTeam, attending media events on behalf of the Governor, Regular media mentions an event, organizing press briefings, Engaging the services of social media influencers in mobilizing trends for major events in the state and offering Strategic Media Advise to institutions of Niger State Government (MDAs).
Ndace also introduced the production and distribution of a specialized magazine (POWER STATE) on the achievements and special profile of Mr Governor.
To effectively maximize the huge opportunity of social media, Ndace created various platforms- Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp.
He has also used various traditional media platforms such as radio and television to promote, project and defend Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello and the administration.
As Chief Press Secretary since November, 2015, his strategy is anchored on a vision which is “to continuously, consistently,strategically and tactically deploy PR and media skills/expertise in reputation management of Mr Governor, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger state in line with the cardinal priority of the administration and for the good of Nigerlites.”
